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How do I Build High-Performing Teams?

What is a High-performing Team?

Research shows that 85% of the reasons that teams of people succeed or struggle has more to do with interpersonal issues, than technical competence. A balance between the task, relationship and individual needs of the members is critical for effective teamwork.

How can I Build High-Performing Teams?

High-performing teams:

Take Time to Know each Other

Take the time at the beginning and when a new person joins the team to ensure that people get to know each other, the experience they bring, their strengths and desires. It is important for people to get to know and trust each other. A team that successfully values the individual as well as the team has the best likelihood of success.

Have Clear Goals

Make sure everyone is clear about your team's purpose, function and objectives. Answer the following questions:

• What does does our team produce that is uniquely distinctive and valuable?
• How does our team fit into both its external and internal environment?
• What would high performance look like?

Clarify Roles and Responsibilities

Clearly specify each person's roles and responsibilities so that people can be accountable for accomplishing their part of the teams tasks. Check and double-check:

• Is everyone clear about what they are responsible for?
• Is everyone clear about how their role fits with others?
• How are we going to work together to manage performance?

Misunderstandings and conflicts frequently occur when roles and expectations are not clearly defined.

Engage in Open Information Sharing

Provide each team member with relevant information. High performing teams don't guard information they share it freely.

Have Competent Team Members

Consider both the competency and placement of each individual team member. Training or additional support may be required for some team members.

Value Diversity and Difference

Create an environment where people value each others differences and leverage each others strengths. Team building exercises can help individuals to appreciate diversity and work together more effectively.

Engage in Creative Problem Solving

Encourage your team to generate new solutions, while focussing on the end objective.

Are Flexible

Check progress periodically and adjust your course when needed. Ask the following questions:

• Do team members openly discuss issues and concerns?
• Are team members regularly providing and receiving feedback?
• Does the team rely on objective performance and results to manage itself rather than allowing perceptions and relationships to colour their judgement?

Resolve Conflict Effectively

Effective conflict resolution focusses on the task at hand, not the individuals, helps teams move forward and redirect their focus toward positive outcomes.

Manage their Time Effectively

Put in place processes that allow the team to structure their meetings, and meet their deadlines. Teams that manage their meetings well encourage higher performance and the increased likelihood of accomplishing their objectives.

Get in Touch with Jump

If you need help or you scored greater than 31 in the assessment tool, then Jump Business Solutions can help you. Phone us on +64 6 754 8987 or +64 27 450 5271 or email info@jump4biz.com and Jump will come to you, discover your needs, and develop a solution that will create real, long-term and positive change for you and your business.