This week, I entered a whirlwind comprised of meeting the team for the first time; setting ground rules; and drafting our project blueprint. What a start. Since most of the sweat was over fostering good team dynamics, the key principles around this is where I will focus.
Joining a new team where you’ve never met the members is like that Forrest Gump line about boxes of chocolates, you know, where each one can be something with caramel, nougat, nuts or something with radioactive fruit whip inside. Luckily this box didn’t have the latter of the four.
Having team mates that you know well and genuinely like helps with the dynamics and niceties, but surprisingly, is really only a part of the equation for performing at peak levels. Whether you end-up-with your top draft pick(s) or not, there are some key principles and behaviors that you can incorporate to elevate your team’s performance. Let’s get it.
If you do a google search, you could find several takes and tips on what constitutes a high performing team. And while most are likely beneficial, there are a few key ones that I ascribe to and recommend based on first-hand experience:
Supreme Communication
I think highly effective communication is at the core of any high performing team and works generally in life. When I think of supreme communication, I often envision the sweet precision, consistency, and succinctness required by formula one pit crews. The quality of their communication is bar none and could really make or break a race – no matter how talented the driver is.
In addition to changing tires in-sync, high performing teams should often have constructive dialogue that is always open & honest. This applies to both written and oral communication. Taking this approach will help ensure that conflict management is constructively handled when it arises and will lead to greater trust and respect in the long run.
Common aligned goals
If you all are not on the same page from the beginning, then you are running uphill with Heelys on. It is fundamental, yet so critical, to craft SMART(specific, measurable, achievable, measurable, time-bound) goals that the entire team aligns on from the jump. I personally despise the blame game when things go belly-up in the end and everyone is looking for a life preserver. Alignment from the beginning will help prevent this sad display and create a clear focus and destination to drive towards. Having a solid, agreed upon plan will ultimately better ensure that objectives get covered in the end.
Trust and mutual respect
For me, trust and respect go hand-in-hand. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. This is cornerstone. As a high performance team, you must not only respect each other as individuals but respect of each others talents and abilities is also key. Any type of disrespect can breed disdain and throw the teams’ rhythm out-of-sync, which ultimately will prevent everyone from collectively providing the best concerted effort. This viewpoint can also lead to distrust in the quality of team members’ contributions and his or her ability to deliver according to plan.
Drive for results
With common aligned goals, all members should have a high drive for results and feel obligated to consistently put his or her best contribution forward. A high performing team is clear about what success looks like and knows what it takes to get there. They review and measure results frequently, while also focusing on the elements that go into achieving the results.
These are my core four. As mentioned, there are several other characteristics and tips that you can explore to optimize your team performance. Try a few out and let me know what you think.
Until next time my friends. I hope fruit whip is not in your future.
