A famous African proverb says, “if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.” Without a doubt, this is sage advice.
Teamwork and team leadership skills are vital for success in any area of life, but particularly in organizations. Companies that take a long–term view of the future foster collaboration among their employees and provide coordination among different departments and divisions.
However, high-performance teams differentiate themselves from other types of teams. While most teams share a project and common goals, the bonds among team members usually stop there.
High–performance teams go beyond this. Their members are closely allied, generating high levels of performance and value. Four pillars sustain them: trust, communication, coordination and cooperation.
Characteristics of high performing teams
A common purpose
All members should be highly aligned to the same objective and seek to reach this at the highest level of efficacy.
Diversity of talent
A high-performance team includes different profiles. The more points of view there are, the better the course of action and results achieved.
Defined roles
While cultural and professional diversity increases the success of a high–performance team, each member of the group should also clearly understand of his or her own role, as well as the roles of others on the team.
Leadership and mutual trust
A leader is essential. The conduct and the words of the leader should always be exemplary and motivating. But leadership cannot be forced – it emerges from the dynamics of the group itself and inspires commitment, initiative and excellence at all times.
Fluid communication
Communication generates trust. In turn, trust increases performance. Fluid communication is key for creating synergies when devising solutions as a team. Cooperation arises through communication.
Effective conflict management
Diversity can also increase the risk for disagreements, conflict and communication breakdowns, especially when working in complex, dynamic and fast-paced environments. But differences can be overcome through trust, acceptation, respect, courtesy and understanding.
Ability to make proposals and decisions
On high–performance teams, members need a certain level of autonomy to make decisions about their work. The company sets the objectives, but if members of the team feel unable to maneuver, their implication and commitment will be significantly affected.
Recognition
Success should lead to rewards. Acknowledgement will strengthen employees’ motivation and ensure that they work more contentedly and, consequently, more efficiently.
Being able to create the right conditions for high–performance teams will boost the performance of the team members. Consequently, the results achieved will be greater than the simple sum of the members’ individual abilities. At the same time, the work environment and feeling of belonging will be enhanced.
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