Top Factors That Distinguish Exceptional Teams from Others in Achieving Optimal Performance
High-performing teams are characterized by effective communication, trust, and collaboration. A new manager can cultivate these qualities to foster a productive and cohesive team environment.
Research shows that high-performing teams thrive on shared understanding, psychological safety, and a prosocial purpose. To build a common understanding within a team, managers should encourage each member to comprehend their role and how it contributes to the broader organizational goals.
Psychological safety is another crucial element for team success. It means creating an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing themselves, taking risks, and voicing opinions. Leading by example and demonstrating vulnerability can help establish this culture of trust.
Moreover, teams are motivated when they understand the positive impact of their work. Sharing success stories and highlighting the team's contribution to the organization can help keep morale high and team members committed to the collective goals.
In summary, focusing on clear communication, trust, and collaboration can help a new manager build a high-performing team. Embracing these three key characteristics can lead to increased productivity, creativity, and a more fulfilling work environment.
Sources:
[1] David Burkus, "What Makes Some Teams High Performing?", Harvard Business Review, 2023/08.[2] Amy C. Edmondson, "Psychological Safety and Learning Behavior in Work Teams", Administrative Science Quarterly, 2012.[3] Google, "Team Effectiveness: What Makes a Team Effective?", Google Workspace Updates, 2021.[4] Adam Grant, "Why Do High-Performing Teams Fail So Often?", Harvard Business Review, 2020.[5] Daniel H. Pink, "The Puzzle of Motivation", TED Talk, 2009.
- A manager can leverage shared understanding in fashion-and-beauty or home-and-garden retail teams by ensuring each employee knows their role and its impact on overall sales targets.
- Psychological safety in a career-development workshop can be established by the trainer showing vulnerability while addressing personal-growth topics like public speaking or interview skills.
- A traveling blogger can create an environment of trust with fellow bloggers by sharing personal anecdotes and encouraging open discussions about travel experiences and lessons learned.
- To increase personal growth, one might invest in education-and-self-development courses that focus on developing effective communication skills, especially in relationships or pet-training classes.
- Choosing the right car can play a significant role in establishing a cohesive lifestyle for a family, promoting collaboration between members during daily commutes and road trips.
- A team of engineers working on the development of a new eco-friendly product can be motivated by celebrating milestones, such as launching a successful Kickstarter campaign or receiving positive reviews from customers.
