We all want to be part of High-Performance Teams
“A high-performance team is characterised by the capability of the Team to achieve and sustain exceptional results over a long period.”
A team is NOT a Team
In general terms, a team is a group of individuals who (theoretically) work together towards a (supposed) common goal.
Teams exist informally or formally; some enjoy longevity while others are transitory.
For example, a family is a team that tends to be informal (because we have not trained ourselves to recognise it as a team). At the other end of the continuum are professional rugby teams that are highly formalised with clear positions, roles and responsibilities. Towards the middle there are workspace teams that tend to be formalised, while their longevity is often determined by the frequency of the rearranging deckchairs syndrome.
Teams are Akin to Individuals
Individuals develop skills and capabilities through purposeful design, learning and practice. These behavioural characteristics are found in all our endeavours, from a particular position in a rugby team, in- accounting, software engineering, orthopaedic surgery and classic piano.
Similarly, high-performance teams (Teams as opposed to teams) are also forged and nurtured to achieve their chosen purpose.
Team Architecture Nurtures High-Performance
No matter the technical skillsets and capabilities of a group (a team), there are fundamental characteristics of the team’s makeup and processes (ways of doing things) that determine whether it functions as a team or a Team.
I am sure you have heard the phrase a “great team on paper, but...” That is a team missing the right architecture!
The following Influential Leadership architecture forges and nurtures teams (groups) into Teams:[i]
- Diversity in membership across multiple spheres, including skillsets, thinking patterns, backgrounds and experience.
- Independence of processes and member’s thinking, questioning and influence that avoids peer pressure to conform or group-think.
- Decentralisation of information from multiple data points, including from specialists closest to the situation or problem, and those that might understand it best.
Why do we want to be Part of High-Performance Teams?
High-performance Teams go further and go higher so we all want to be part of them because we enjoy the satisfaction, the benefits!
When you practice Influential Leadership, it is your business to forge and nurture the teams you are part of into Teams, no matter your role in the group—whether wing or scrumhalf, captain or newbie; teacher or learner; secretary or CEO; junior- or senior manager.
If you care to nurture your teams into Teams, speak with us, we would be delighted to help you achieve your goals.
Regards,
Colin @ Karoo
Influential Leadership Nutures High-Performace Teams!
Leadership Note # 1125 | 17.03.25
e: colind@karoo.world
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