🧭 How to Build a High-Performing Team

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Here’s where we’re headed today:

• Coach K on teamwork

• How to define teamwork in a high-performing team

• The 5 common dysfunctions in teams

• Jon Gordon and the experts on how to build a great team culture

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Coach K on Teamwork

"To me, teamwork is the beauty of our sport, where you have five acting as one. You become selfless."

- Coach K

How to Define Teamwork in High-Performing Teams

At its core, teamwork is the collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal in the most efficient and effective way possible. It’s not just about working together; it’s about synergizing diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives.

Why it matters:

1. Enhances Problem-Solving: Teams that work well together can leverage diverse perspectives to find innovative solutions.

2. Boosts Productivity and Efficiency: Collaborative efforts often lead to more efficient and effective outcomes.

3. Improves Employee Morale and Engagement: Positive team dynamics increase job satisfaction and employee retention.

What the science and experts have to say:

• The Impact of Trust and Communication: Google’s Project Aristotle, a study conducted to understand the dynamics of effective teams, highlighted psychological safety as a key factor. When team members feel safe to take risks and be vulnerable in front of each other, performance soars. This finding echoes the sentiments of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who believes that empathy and understanding are vital to building a successful team.

• The Impact on Overall Performance: In a study conducted at Standard, psychological scientists Priyanka B. Carr and Gregory M. Walton examined the effect of the perception of teamwork on individual performance. In this study, participants were assigned to solve challenging puzzles, with some participants receiving subtle cues that they were part of a team, while others believed they were working alone. The results showed that those who felt they were working as part of a team persisted 48% longer on the task, enjoyed the task more, and experienced lower fatigue levels than those who thought they were working alone.

• The Role of Leadership: Effective teamwork starts with strong leadership. Renowned basketball coach Phil Jackson, known for leading the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers to multiple NBA championships, emphasized the importance of a shared vision and collective goals. His leadership style, focusing on mindfulness and cohesiveness, serves as a prime example of fostering a high-performing team.

How to Bring Teams Together:

1. Foster Open Communication: Encourage team members to share ideas and feedback openly.

2. Build Trust: Create an environment where team members feel safe and valued.

3. Set Clear Goals: Ensure everyone understands and is aligned with the team's objectives.

4. Leverage Everyone’s Strengths: Embrace diverse perspectives and skills within the team.

5. Promote Mutual Accountability: Encourage team members to hold each other accountable for their contributions.

6. Encourage Continuous Learning: Invest in training and development to help team members grow their skills and adapt to new challenges.

In conclusion, effective teamwork is not just about bringing people together; it’s about creating a cohesive unit that leverages the strengths of each member to achieve common goals. By understanding and implementing these principles, organizations can build high-performing teams that are not only productive but also resilient and adaptable to change.

Overcoming the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team

In the pursuit of building a strong, cohesive team, leaders often focus on what they need to add - more resources, better strategies, advanced skills. However, Patrick Lencioni, in his groundbreaking book "The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team," shifts this perspective to focus on elimination. Sometimes, the key to unlocking a team's potential lies not in what you add, but in what you remove. Lencioni identifies five core dysfunctions that can cripple even the most talented teams. By addressing and eliminating these dysfunctions, a team can evolve into a more unified, effective, and productive entity. So what are the 5 dysfunctions?

1. Absence of Trust: Trust is the foundation of any team. When team members are reluctant to be vulnerable with each other, it hinders the development of trust. Overcoming this requires openness and the willingness to share weaknesses and fears without fear of reprisal.

2. Fear of Conflict: Healthy conflict is essential for growth. Teams that avoid conflict out of fear of discord end up with unresolved issues and tension. Encouraging open and constructive conflict leads to better decision-making and problem-solving.

3. Lack of Commitment: Without commitment, teams cannot achieve their goals. This dysfunction arises from ambiguity in direction and priorities. Clear goals and active buy-in from team members are crucial for commitment.

4. Avoidance of Accountability: When team members are not held accountable, standards start to slip. A culture where people are regularly held responsible for their performance fosters a sense of collective responsibility and excellence.

5. Inattention to Results: The ultimate goal of any team should be collective results. When individual goals overshadow team goals, it leads to stagnant progress. Emphasizing shared success is essential for driving team performance.

So what do I need to think about as a leader?

1. Foster an Environment of Trust: Start by encouraging transparency and vulnerability. Leaders should lead by example, showing their own vulnerabilities and creating a safe space for others to do the same.

2. Embrace Healthy Conflict: Normalize open discussions and respectful disagreements. See conflict not as a threat but as a means to reach the best possible outcomes. This also means holding people accountable.

3. Set Vision & Objectives, and Communicate Clearly: Ensure that every team member understands and commits to the team's objectives. Regularly track goal performance, progress, and roles to keep the team aligned and focused.

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Jon Gordon and Others on Building Great Teams

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