Recently I was working with a client who reminded me of how good teams can actually be when they are built, developed and inspired in a positive way with a shared goal that everyone believes in. Their approach to tackling issues is impressive and they truly do work as a team rather than a group of individuals with separate agendas.
So here are some questions for you to think about that might help you to build a truly high performing team with a performance culture that actually works.
Firstly, think about a team or organisation that has a high performance culture.
- Who is their leader or leaders and what great leadership traits do they exhibit?
- What is it about the leadership style, the vision, values, mission and purpose of that organisation that defines this high performing culture?
- What is expected of people who work there? Not just the job descriptions/specifications or the policies and procedures but also the unwritten expectations - the psychological contracts that exist between employer and employees.
- What happens when people choose not to conform to the performance standards? How does this high performing organisation/team deal with that?
- What other things does this organisation use to help cement a high performance culture?
Now that you have looked at your chosen organisation/team and answered the questions above - turn now to your self and your own organisation/team. What would people say about you?
Look for the potential gaps and then fill them (be honest with yourself).
Good luck in your journey to becoming a high performing team - it takes effort but it is worth it.
