Defining a High-Performing Team

We then looked at the definition of a high-performing team (one I have used with my clients for the past 25 years):

“A cohesive group united by a shared vision, beliefs and objectives”

“They emphasize collective growth, consistently deliver results, distribute responsibilities towards outcomes and ensure accountability through continuous feedback, all while valuing both team and individual well-being.”

Aligning Vision and Objectives

We broke back into those broad groups and asked the teams to clarify their vision, beliefs, and objectives, and align them with the organization’s values and vision statement.

We then focused on the second part of the definition by asking the teams to assess what they are doing and what they need and want to be doing.

The results were amazing:

The entire team walked away with clarity. Clarity of their vision and clarity in who they were working with. Clarity in what they need to help them do better and be better.

What the Team Learned

They summarized the process when we came back to what a high-performing team is as the following:

• We see each other as humans.
• We are not nice, we are kind.
• We don’t gossip.
• We seek and appreciate feedback.
• We show and express appreciation.
• We have clarity and continually seek it out.
• We don’t have to like each other; we need to work together.
• We have operating agreements.
• We debate – even challenge each other with positive intent. Conflict is seen as a good thing.
• We produce results together.
• We recognize boundaries.
• Mistakes happen – focus on cleaning them up.
• Everyone is empowered here.
• We at times need to slow down to speed up.
• We are always learning, staying ahead and updated in our field and in our industry.

Not all of these team members are together every day. Some are in different countries, on different time zones – yet all agreed on one thing – they were worth taking the time to come together!