One of my all-time favorite business books is Jim Collins’ Good to Great. Collins identifies the key factors that elevate organizations from average to exceptional. While his primary focus is on leadership, these principles equally apply to teams (since leadership and teams are inextricably bound together).
Throughout my corporate career, I’ve been fortunate to work with a few exceptional teams. These teams were mission-focused, disciplined, and had the right talent and leadership. They tackled problems openly and collaboratively, staying motivated to achieve shared goals. They swiftly discarded any practice that didn’t add value or hindered their ability to perform.
Interestingly, these teams were often small — sometimes just four or five people. Regardless of size, their focus and enthusiasm were remarkable. Their performance and results were consistently strong, yet they always sought to improve without risking burnout.
These teams operated with a strong sense of mutual support and trust. They consistently kept the team goals and needs front and centre. Deadlines were met reliably, and team members knew they could ask for help when needed. Tasks were delegated appropriately, and meetings were held only when necessary and always followed a set agenda.
But even the best teams can benefit from reflecting on their practices and performance. I’ve seen issues arise over time, such as overlapping responsibilities leading to duplication and frustration, or team members taking on too much, causing burnout. These small issues can escalate if left unchecked.
Regular team evaluation – formal or otherwise - can help identify and address potential problems early. Using mechanisms like report-outs, scorecard reviews, and process audits can help to ensure teams stay on track, achieve their intended results, and improve over time.
It’s crucial not to mistake short-term success for having a high-performing team. True high-performing teams sustain superior performance, adapt, and continuously improve. If your team consistently ranks in the top 20% of comparable teams and embodies these qualities, then you’re likely leading a high-performing team.
For everyone else, we can help. Register for our FREE High-Performing Teams Leadership Challenge at: https://www.ormondassociates.com/registration. Leaders will receive 4 hours of 1:1 coaching on high-performing teams over four days in June — a $2000 value, absolutely FREE. Availability is limited, so register today to learn how to elevate your team’s performance quickly and effectively. Leaders will learn:
- The 8 key elements of a high-performing team.
- How their team measures up against these elements.
- Concrete actions to significantly improve team performance and results.
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