Think about any successful company and you’ll realise it’s no coincidence they all have one thing in common: high performing teams. To be the best and remain on top of their game, they need the ‘cream of the crop’ pool of employees, all working in synergy, to achieve great outcomes. There’s no way companies like Amazon, Apple or Google would tolerate poor performing teams, and neither should you!

The ability to cultivate and maintain high performing teams is essential for sustained success. As managers and team leaders, you’re responsible for navigating the intricacies of team dynamics within your business. 

So, what is a high performance team exactly? Happy HR has an innovative approach towards high performance team development and management. Let’s explore the essential elements that contribute to the formation and sustainability of effective work teams so that you get the results you need to build and sustain your business.

Key Elements of Forming Effective Work Teams

To lay the groundwork for developing high performing teams, the starting point is selecting people with diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives. Finding talent is important; however, making sure they can work with other team members is just as critical. 

As a manager or team leader, you need to find the right people, build strong teams and manage those teams. That’s a lot of work (not to mention, pressure)! 

Taking the guesswork out of building high performance teams, Happy HR has developed the HR Manager’s Blueprint for companies just like yours. This comprehensive online course outlines all the processes and key factors you need in developing high performing teams at your workplace. The software course guides you through the key elements of how to develop your teams, but also the latest information on high performing team characteristics.   

The course will suit new managers and seasoned professionals with the latest methodology for managing high performance teams, including: 

• Performance Appraisal Training  
• Career Development Planning
• Training Planning 
• Performance Improvement Plans
• Managing Conflict
• Managing Grievances
• Establishing clear and effective procedures
• Warning Management
• Termination Management
• Communication and Perception
• SWOT Analysis framework

Established managers also benefit from this course, giving them new inspiration to revise their management strategy to adapt to the changing market demands.

The Vital Role of Leadership in Team Effectiveness

Leadership is the linchpin in sustaining the effectiveness of work teams. Good leadership gives individuals and their team guidance, confidence and structure. 

 Effective leaders promote opportunities for team success by providing the necessary support, removing obstacles, and fostering an environment that encourages innovation. 

These managers understand the importance of trust and collaboration, actively working to create a culture where team members feel empowered to express their ideas and take ownership of their tasks. This is especially true in virtual settings, where good leaders encourage collaboration and teamwork by implementing best practices for virtual teams.

Qualities of High-Performing Teams

High performance team development involves a combination of essential characteristics and practices: 

Clear Goals

Establishing precise objectives is fundamental for building high performing teams.

Effective Communication

Open and transparent communication is crucial for managing high performing teams successfully. 

Collaboration and Diversity

Encourage collaboration and leverage the diversity of team members to enhance performance. 

Strong Leadership

Effective leadership is key to developing and managing high performing teams. 

Accountability

Fostering a culture of accountability ensures each team member contributes towards common goals.  

Adaptability

High performing teams must be adaptable and flexible to navigate challenges. 

Innovation and Creativity

Promoting a culture that values innovation and encourages creative problem-solving.

Continuous Learning

Prioritising continuous learning and development within the team. 

Trust and Respect

Establishing trust and mutual respect as foundational elements of high performing teams. 

Effective Conflict Resolution

Developing processes for resolving conflicts constructively within the team. 

Celebration of Success

Acknowledging and celebrating achievements to boost morale and motivation. 

Empowerment and Autonomy

Empowering team members with autonomy in decision-making to enhance commitment. 

It may seem like a lot to consider, but with the right training to help you implement these leadership fundamentals, your business will see massive gains in productivity, ROI and market share. Plus you’ll have the reputation as a great place to work, helping you attract the best talent to form your future high performing teams.  

Best Practices for Virtual Teams