We've all experienced, or at least witnessed, high performing teams (HPTs) in action. We've also experienced, or witnessed, low performing teams (LPTs). What's the difference? What are their characteristics?
There are at least eight characteristics of high performing leadership & team development. These characteristics are interrelated. In other words, if your team exhibits one of these characteristics, it is likely that the team will display other attributes in the model too. The reverse is true too: If a team is negligent in one of the attributes, it will negatively impact other attributes.
Here is the model of high performing teams, exhibiting the eight characteristics:
The 8 Characteristics of High Performing Teams
Sense of Purpose
A HPT knows what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. There is a clarity of purpose and one that everyone is committed to. A LPT, on the other hand, is confused and unclear of its roles, responsibilities and purpose.
Open Communication
A HPT has open, honest and robust discussions occur and everyone feels they can contribute safety. A LPT has a pecking order. Some members have more say then others and it is characterised by closed channels of communication.
Trust and Mutual Respect
The team that is high performing have high levels of trust between members. They respect each other and what they can potentially bring to the team. LPTs are riddled with mistrust and doubt.
Shared Leadership
A leader of a HPT is willing to share leadership. They are willing to defer to members of the team and use collaborative leadership practices when they are required. Leaders of LPTs are autocratic and distrust displays of initiative and shun collaborative decision-making.
Effective Working Procedures
The HPT looks for better, faster, and quicker ways to get their work done. If a procedure isn't working, they look for another way. LPTs will continue to use frustrating cumbersome methods, even when there is scope for change.
Building on Differences
HPTs value diversity. They use people's strengths and preferences to enhance results. LPTs value homogeneity. They are suspicious of new ideas and alternative perspectives.
Flexible and Adaptability
HPTs are agile and adaptable. They focus on the end result and are open to how that goal can be achieved. LPTs are rigid and work to rules.
Continuous Learning
HPTs are always learning. They will debrief after projects and make necessary changes from their learning. LPTs will stick stringently to the procedures manual.
You will note the model illustrates the inter-relatedness of these eight characteristics.
How do the teams you lead measure up against these eight characteristics?
Developing High-Performing Teams
Lunch & Learn is a brand-new learning program for leaders to build core leadership capabilities. Each session is short, focused, and practical. The sessions are presented over lunch to minimise interruption in the workplace. They are piped into the computer screen of the manager while they eat their lunch.
Participants receive a set of PowerPoint slides and a full video recording after each session for revision; or if they missed the presentation.
The sessions are interactive; participants can ask questions throughout the broadcast and are encouraged to email the presenter between sessions.
Developing High Performing Teams is a Series designed for Team Leaders who are interested in taking their team to the next level of performance.
More information can be found here.
Dr. Tim Baker; Winners-at-Work
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