4 Necessities for High Performing Teams

Great teams can propel organizations to new levels of success. Today we're looking at how to improve team performance with an approach that has proven results across a spectrum of cultural, geographic, and generational challenges. A few years ago The Orange Revolution was written by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton. The book focuses on great teams and where they come from. According to the authors, there are four things that skilled leaders do in order to develop great teams.

  1. Ensure the right people join
  2. Translate corporate goals into team goals
  3. Facilitate great team conduct
  4. Promote a culture of appreciation

great team blue angelsWhen looking at teambuilding through that list of requirements, it's easy to see how each of these elements can tie into the plan. Let's break it down to each individual component and discuss each in turn.

Ensure the right people join

This is the crucial first step. Especially when looking at cross-cultural teams that might involve language barriers, geographical distance, or other difficult pieces, it's important to select the correct individuals that will “mesh” with each other and be able to collaborate effectively.

Translate corporate goals into team goals

This is often one of the more difficult pieces for team members to understand. Many are familiar with individual goals, but translating those up into top level team goals and overarching corporate goals can be more challenging. The essential power of a good team comes when each member understands the unified purpose and works toward a common goal.

Facilitate great team conduct

The majority of people have worked with a team that didn't get along well. The variety of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in the workplace virtually guarantees that there will be occasional friction; however, a good team lead will help to reduce that friction and enable each person to contribute to their fullest abilities.

Want to learn more about leading a team? Check out How to Manage a Team.

Promote a culture of appreciation

Sometimes, a difficult piece of working with a team could be a lack of individual appreciation for a job well done. Helping each team member understand how they can provide appreciation and recognition to their peers will increase overall satisfaction within and among the group.

These four key elements to building great teams are a great reminder that there is substantial potential for great performance in a well-built team.

3 thoughts on “4 Necessities for High Performing Teams

  1. Keeundra

    Great article!

    Team work is such of major importance to the success of the organization. Many times employees can get so caught up in the (I) instead of the (we)and this perception just creates a bad work environment. Now, I have been that (I) person before but I eventually realized that it was only hurting my team. So after reading this article I definitely have a true understanding of teamwork as well as how to create the atmosphere of a high performing team.

    -Thanks Alot!

  2. Alex

    When I work in a team, I think it’s good to have a small amount of friction, as long as it’s respectful and friendly. If the team constantly agrees on everything, it means that someone is not voicing their input completely. I definitely agree with point #4, a little group appreciation goes a long way!

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