Secrets Behind a High-Functioning Team

All business leaders work hard to meet their strategic goals. Many focus on having the right product, the best customer service, or highly attractive and effective marketing campaigns. 

However, the importance of a high-functioning team in achieving the company’s mission and purpose cannot be overstated. Not only is it crucial for leaders to understand what a high-functioning team looks like, but it’s also critical to know how to develop one. 

Consider the following ways that a high-functioning team can benefit your organisation and discover how you can build one that drives success.

While “high-functioning” refers to how teams work together to achieve a goal, “high-performing” simply relates to output. 

When a team is high-performing, it is able to complete its assigned tasks on time and get results. High-performing teams are focused on the performance itself, while high-functioning teams are more focused on how they got those results.

There are several critical reasons why having a high-functioning team benefits an organisation.

High-functioning teams work hard to build trust. This sense of trust empowers employees to share creative ideas and new perspectives. 

Trust also enables teams to work through conflict quickly, which makes it easier to keep working toward the goal, even when team members disagree.

High-functioning teams can come together around a shared purpose. They actively encourage open communication and foster mutual respect among employees.

Employees may be more likely to feel enthusiastic about their work when they are respected and feel that their work and opinions matter. This, in turn, can foster greater satisfaction at work and improve employee engagement and retention.

High-functioning teams are supportive and inclusive, always welcoming diversity. This type of environment is what builds positive workplace cultures that employees enjoy. 

Additionally, when employees can work together well, the company is better positioned to respond quickly to changes and more easily move in a new direction when market conditions necessitate it.

You can recognise a high-functioning team by the behaviours its team members display. Here are some of the traits and values that are most important for teams to work well together.

For a team to be high-functioning, its members must be able to trust that their leaders and teammates have their best interests at heart. 

Team members must be safe to communicate freely and openly without worrying that their ideas will be criticised, swiftly rejected, or invite rebuke or punishment. This makes employees feel safe to try new things, contribute creative ideas, or introduce new perspectives that can benefit the team.

Having clear roles means all team members know what is expected of them and how their work contributes to the company’s overall mission. 

Shared goals mean everyone is on the same page and understands what they are working toward, which makes it easier to keep the team on track and stay productive.

Those on high-functioning teams can easily communicate with each other in a way that brings clarity to all team members. They also understand the importance of everyone having access to the same information. 

Team members are not afraid to give and receive feedback, understanding that it creates continuous learning and growth opportunities.

Employees on high-functioning teams can admit quickly when they’ve messed up or misunderstood something. High accountability levels mean mistakes can be cleared up quickly and won’t lead to unnecessary conflict. 

When everyone takes ownership of their role, it fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages teammates to do their best.

High-functioning teams have excellent communication and collaboration skills that allow them to embrace the idea of change and adapt quickly to shifting conditions. 

They see change and failure as opportunities to learn and are always looking to take on new challenges or engage in skills development.

High-functioning teams don’t happen by accident. Here’s how leadership teams can contribute to their development.

High-functioning teams work best when they rally around shared goals. When leaders take the time to set vision and expectations, it gives teams a solid foundation and something meaningful to work toward.

Leaders must understand the importance of giving feedback and helping their teams overcome roadblocks. Coaching and mentorship create an effective feedback loop, encourage open communication, and help teams keep moving forward.

Your employees need to know that they are valued for who they are and what they bring to the table. Promoting inclusion and equity makes employees feel safe and reminds them that they matter to the team.

Conflict can easily slow teams down. When leadership is able to help employees resolve conflict quickly and effectively, it contributes to higher levels of productivity and engagement.

While high-performing teams are focused on the numbers, high-functioning teams know that how you work together matters. The following team dynamics are crucial for teams to work together effectively.

Competition increases stress and promotes the pursuit of individual goals. High-functioning teams understand the importance of collaboration and encourage knowledge-sharing and camaraderie.

In balanced decision-making, everyone’s ideas and perspectives are seen as valued and important. When all sides of an issue are considered, it leads to better decision-making.

High-functioning teams don’t see all conflict as bad, and they understand how to debate issues in a respectful and healthy manner. 

When people push back against an idea, high-functioning teams see it as an opportunity to learn instead of taking it as rejection.

High-functioning teams know that a win for one person is a win for everyone. As a result, they are eager to recognise each other for valuable contributions.

Certain barriers are common in building a high-functioning team.

It’s important to ensure all teammates are working from and have access to updated information. Employees should have established communication channels and know how to use them effectively.

Team-building activities are important for building trust between team members and reminding everyone that they are a valued part of the team. 

Ensuring all employees understand company values and behavioural expectations when working and interacting with teammates is also essential.

Ensure all employees understand the strategic goals for the organisation as a whole and their individual teams. Ask employees to articulate how their roles contribute to those goals.

Ensure employees can safely communicate when they’re feeling overwhelmed and get coaching and feedback on overcoming roadblocks and working more efficiently. 

Recognise employees for small and significant milestones, reminding them that their contributions are valued.

Here are a few practical ways to help you build high-functioning teams throughout your organisation.

Meet frequently with employees instead of waiting for an end-of-the-year performance review.

Give teams opportunities to reflect on their progress and get advice on how to improve their skills and performance.

Provide your teams with efficient tools to help them stay in contact, track deadlines, and share new information.

Ensure all employees understand their roles and those of their colleagues. Assess competencies with a skills matrix and provide training opportunities to help employees expand their current skill sets.

Building high-functioning teams takes an intentional approach. Not only does your team need the right attitudes and values, but they must also understand the importance of continuous improvement. 

Fortunately, our robust skills management platform gives you and your employees the tools to enhance their skills and their contribution to your organisation’s goals. 

Get in touch with our team today to learn more about how Klara can help you create high-functioning teams with effective professional development.