Teams are powerful in today’s workplace. By coming together, your workers can accomplish more than they could solo. The right tools can help them overcome any challenges, and keep your employees moving toward common goals.
Of course, not every team performs the same way. Some teams seem like well-oiled machines, working together almost seamlessly. Others may have a lot more friction, especially in the beginning stages. This friction can lower achievements and prevent your teams from performing to their highest ability.
Download our whitepaper to see how we solve our clients' evolving staffing issues
What sets high-performing teams apart? Look for these five characteristics, then try to foster them into your own team.
1. Trust is Given, Not Earned
The first characteristic of a high-performing team is the level of trust between each member. This is key to getting things accomplished.
When one member of a team doesn’t trust the others, they may not comply with directions. They might deviate from the plan, or even ignore the team’s work. They may attempt to accomplish things themselves. In turn, they might withhold information, documents, or instructions that other team members need to do their jobs.
When everyone trusts each other, communication and information flows. Each team member is considered competent and capable, and they’re trusted to get things done on time. This, in turn, fuels people’s desire to perform and deliver. They’ll go to great lengths to keep their team’s trust.
The result? It’s much easier to accomplish tasks, and people will strive for the highest level of performance.
2. Communication is Seamless
Another characteristic of a high-performing team is the nature of communication. For this team, communication is smooth. People get their messages across clearly. Emails and messages are respectful. Ideas and contributions are valued.
With clear communication, team members know what page to be on and that everyone is there with them. They have clear instructions, and they know how to perform their tasks. If they’re unsure, they know who to call on for advice or assistance.
Teams without good communication encounter more barriers. Instructions might not be clear, or they might be misunderstood. Mistakes may be made. People could get upset with some team members, leading to hard feelings, and less cooperation.
Increasing communication skills, clarifying communication policies, and offering the right tools can all help teams communicate with ease.
3. A Shared Vision
High-performing teams have another thing in common: a shared vision. Each team member has agreed on the goals, and they’re all willing to work towards them.
How does this improve teamwork? It reduces friction. Everyone pushes the team in the same direction. When people don’t share the same vision or outlook, they may pull in opposite directions. This can lead to confusion, conflicting schedules, or even contrary instructions.
The shared vision keeps everyone working towards the same goal and hoping for the same outcomes. When they combine their efforts, they’re more likely to reach those goals.
4. A Culture of Accountability
One of the things that improves teamwork is a culture of accountability. This means every team member knows they’re responsible for their own work, and their own actions. They also know that if they don’t meet goals or guidelines, they’ll be held accountable.
This helps keep people motivated. When someone sees another team member working in their own self-interest, they might feel less motivated to work for common goals. If people make mistakes, or miss deadlines, and there are no repercussions, other team members may feel resentful.
Holding people accountable for their work and actions keeps everyone committed to the same standard of excellence.
5. A Learning Culture
Just because people are held accountable doesn’t mean there’s no opportunity to make mistakes. Instead, a high-performing team fosters a learning culture. This allows people to learn and hone new skills, and yes, make some mistakes too.
The culture encourages better learning, which means everyone continues to grow and develop as a professional.
Gain a high-performing team with the help of Liberty Staffing Services. We can help you find quality employees quickly. Contact us today.
