Every manager dreams of leading a high-performing team. These teams don’t just meet expectations – they exceed them, driving innovation, productivity, and engagement within an organisation. But what sets these teams apart? What makes them successful, and how can you, as a manager, achieve the same results?
This blog explores five key signs of a high-performing team and provides actionable steps to help you build one. From fostering open communication to leveraging educational courses for upskilling, you’ll learn how to transform your team into a well-oiled machine that delivers consistent success.
The 5 Signs of a High-Performing Team
1. Clear Roles and Responsibilities
When every team member knows their role and understands what’s expected of them, the result is efficiency and accountability. Without clearly defined responsibilities, confusion arises, leading to wasted time, duplicated efforts, or, worse, critical tasks falling through the cracks.
Take agile teams as an example. Success often hinges on clearly assigned roles like Scrum Master, product owner, and developers. Each person focuses on their area of expertise while collaborating toward a shared goal.
How to achieve this:
- Define roles and responsibilities during onboarding or project kickoff meetings.
- Create easily accessible documentation (e.g., a team charter) outlining everyone’s tasks.
- Use tools like RACI matrices to clarify decision-making responsibilities.
2. Open and Honest Communication
Effective communication is the lifeblood of any successful team. High-performing teams create an environment of psychological safety, where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, raising concerns, and providing feedback without fear of retaliation or judgment.
For example, fostering open feedback during regular retrospectives or stand-ups allows teams to address issues early, ensuring smoother workflows and greater innovation.
How to achieve this:
- Hold regular team check-ins to discuss progress and tackle challenges.
- Encourage anonymous feedback through tools like polls or suggestion boxes.
- Lead by example – actively listen, show empathy, and remain open to feedback from your team.
3. Shared Goals and Vision
A team aligned on its goals and vision operates with a singular purpose. This alignment creates motivation, clarity, and focus, ensuring everyone works towards the same outcomes. Without shared goals, even the most talented team may work at cross-purposes, reducing overall effectiveness.
OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) are a great example of how high-performing teams align their efforts. By breaking broad objectives into specific, measurable goals, everyone understands their contribution and feels connected to the team’s mission.
How to achieve this:
- Set team goals together to ensure everyone understands and buys into them.
- Use tools like Trello or Monday.com to track progress on shared objectives.
- Regularly review goals and make adjustments based on new priorities.
4. Adaptability and Resilience
Today’s business environment moves fast, and the ability to adapt can make or break a team. High-performing teams excel in both adaptability – adjusting to changing circumstances – and resilience, maintaining their focus and energy even in the face of setbacks.
A great example is a team managing change during an organisational restructure. Teams that openly share concerns, actively collaborate, and focus on problem-solving are more likely to thrive than those overwhelmed by uncertainty.
How to achieve this:
- Cross-train team members to build flexibility across roles.
- Encourage scenarios where teams work outside their comfort zones.
- Provide workshops or team building courses on change management and adaptability.
5. High Levels of Trust and Collaboration
Trust is the foundation of successful teams. It allows team members to rely on one another, fostering collaboration and enabling candid discussions. Without trust, teams become siloed, and communication breaks down.
Research from Google’s “Project Aristotle” highlights trust as a critical factor for effective teams. The more comfortable members feel working together, the more innovative and productive they become.
How to achieve this:
- Use team-building activities to foster closer bonds.
- Be consistent – lead by example by behaving predictably and transparently.
How to Build a High-Performing Team Through Educational Courses
Upskilling your team through educational programs is one of the most effective ways to nurture high-performing characteristics. Here’s how to integrate training initiatives into your team-building strategies.
1. Identify Skills Gaps Within the Team
Start by assessing your team’s current skills and comparing them to where you want to be. Are there gaps in leadership, technical knowledge, or soft skills like communication and emotional intelligence?
Actionable Steps:
- Conduct skills assessments with tools like self-evaluation forms or manager reviews.
- Collect feedback through 1-on-1 meetings or anonymous surveys.
- Collaborate with HR to align team skills with organisational needs.
2. Choose the Right Educational Programs
The right program can make or break a training initiative. Prioritise courses that align with your team’s goals while offering measurable learning outcomes. Look for interactive and engaging options.
Tips for choosing programs:
- Platforms like TrainingCourseMaterial, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Skillsoft offer flexible course options.
- Consider team-focused workshops for shared learning experiences.
- Assess course reviews and success stories before committing.
3. Incorporate Learning into Development Plans
Training doesn’t stop after completing a course – it’s essential to integrate new skills into your team’s day-to-day operations.
How to maintain momentum:
- Set objectives for each team member to apply their training to ongoing projects.
- Regularly revisit training goals in performance reviews.
- Encourage sharing knowledge gained from courses with the broader team.
4. Promote a Growth Mindset Within the Team
When team members see learning as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event, they’ll continue to grow and improve long after formal training has ended.
Encouraging a growth mindset:
- Recognise and celebrate individual and team growth.
- Frame mistakes as learning opportunities instead of failures.
- Share success stories to show the impact training can have on career trajectories.
Why High-Performing Teams Matter to Managers and Organisations
When you invest in building high-performing teams, the benefits extend far beyond completing tasks more efficiently.
Key benefits include:
- Higher productivity, as skilled and motivated teams accomplish goals faster.
- Increased employee satisfaction and retention, as team members feel valued and supported.
- Sharper adaptability to changing market trends, keeping your organisation competitive.
By focusing on these priorities, you’ll not only improve outcomes for your team but also set up your organisation for long-term success.
Take Your Team from Good to Exceptional
High-performing teams don’t happen by accident. They’re built through clear strategies, a shared commitment to growth, and intentional investments in development.
Start by evaluating your team’s performance against the five signs discussed. Are responsibilities clear? Is communication open? Do your team’s skills align with its goals?
From there, leverage educational courses to fill skill gaps, foster adaptability, and promote trust. The good news? By acting now, you’ll see both short- and long-term wins that can transform your organisation.
If you’re ready to build a high-performing team, explore available training opportunities and get started today. Your team’s next big breakthrough could be just around the corner.
