Building high-performing teams: Seven factors to consider

High-performing teams consistently achieve exceptional results. They don’t just meet goals; they exceed them. But how do you build such a team? Alize Hofmeester, partner at Twinxter, outlines seven key factors to consider.

A high-performing team is not just a group of skilled professionals working together by chance. It’s really more like a finely tuned micro-system in which the whole outshines the sum of its parts.

Such teams excel by trusting each other. They thrive through being aligned, and by adapting to its environment. They have a clear and relentless focus on shared goals and delivering results. They create a thriving, innovative environment where people feel connected to their work and each other.

Another trait of high-performing teams is that they really love the sense of ownership and take pride in their collective work.

So, how do you build a high-performing team? In cooperation with organisations that we have supported building high-performing teams and by studying case studies and existing research, we found seven key traits of high-performing teams.

1) Clear purpose

The first element is to establish the purpose of the team. Basically, its foundation. High-performing teams that align around a shared purpose and set clear, measurable objectives. This way, everyone knows why the team exists and how their work contributes to larger organisational goals.

To illustrate this point: a McKinsey & Company study found that teams with a clear purpose are 50% more effective at achieving their goals.

2) Psychological safety

Psychological safety means team members can be themselves. They fear no judgment or retribution. They can take risks, admit mistakes, and contribute without reservation. Google’s Project Aristotle found this to be the most critical factor for team success.

3) Trust

Another part of the foundation of high-performing teams is trust. Trusting each other will create the ability to have honest discussions and respect for each other. It also creates a belief in each other’s reliability and intentions.

4) Effective communication

High-performing team excel in clear, frequent, and two-way communication. Active listening, constructive feedback, and open discussions are standard practices. Studies show that teams with open communication are 25% more productive.

5) Role clarity

When everyone knows their role, they better understand what is expected of them. This builds ownership as individuals empower themselves to take responsibility for their contributions. Role clarity prevents overlap in activities and reduces friction in decision-making.

6) Resilience

High-performing teams embrace change. They learn from individual setbacks instead of being derailed by them. They frequently see challenges as opportunities for growth. In this regard, team leaders are advised to hold reflection or lessons learned sessions. Encourage open dialogue about what worked, what didn’t, and how the team can adapt moving forward.

7) Continuous learning

High-performing teams see learning as a core value. They constantly seek to improve processes, skills, and collaboration. They embrace feedback and prioritise professional development. They key is to build a learning culture: use training, knowledge sharing, and time for skill building.

Growing high-performing teams

Reflecting on these seven characteristics, creating high-performing teams clearly involves more than simply hiring the right people. It’s about cultivating an environment where the above seven characteristics can thrive. Prioritise creating a strong sense of purpose. Build psychological safety and invest in the ongoing growth of your people.

Building and growing these teams does not happen overnight. It will take time and endurance from the side of leadership as well. It will require funding, resources, and commitment. And yes, you will encounter some setbacks at times. Nonetheless, the rewards are much greater in the end.