There is a large volume of readily available reference material about high performing teams.  These include things like what they are, key attributes and distiguishing features, and how to be part of one.

Keep it simple

I had an interesting discussion with some of my  colleagues today about this often and sometimes overused buzz word.  While there were many facets to our information exchange we had complete consensus as to a the basic key attibutes of a high performing team:

• The culture of the team is intuitive to all members and not based on mandate in any way.  It feels good (for everyone),  differences of background, race and beliefs are irrelevant and everyone clearly believes that everyone else is important.  And everyone knows this is a universal belief.
• There are no silos.  No one is pigeon holed by skill and knowledge.   Sharing and receiving the gift of knowledge openly from each other is the baseline.
• The destination is common, that is everyone on the team is going to the same place (and everyone understands that without it needing to be explained)
• Results do matter but most important is the health and well being of the team itself.  Everyone must feel good about both themselves and their teamates to achieve top results.  For a team on the top of its game top results are only the natural outcome.

I’m sold, how can my team adopt those attributes?

It all starts with communication, two way communication by all parties both sharing (talking) and receiving (listening).

The conversation starts with a open sharing of the key underpinnings of collaberation,sharing, teamwork to get everyone on the same page as to what the teams destination is and the best operating style for the group.

This is not about agreement, this discussion is for understanding.  Agreement to the principles can only be demonstrated ,and committment proven, through actions and behaviors.

Simply stated, together set the bar and then together practice it.