Let's talk about building a High Performing Team

Creating a high performing team in any organisation isn’t just a fortunate accident—it’s more like a culinary masterpiece where the right ingredients come together under skilled hands. Much like preparing a New Zealand pavlova, where every element must complement the others perfectly, crafting a high performing team requires precision, understanding, and a bit of a secret sauce: trust and communication.

The Recipe for a High Performing Team

Ingredient 1: The Right People

First, you need the right people. Just as a master chef selects the freshest strawberries, an organisation must choose individuals who bring not only skills and experience but also a diversity of perspectives and problem-solving abilities. However, assembling all-stars is less about finding a group of individuals with the highest IQs, and more about selecting individuals who complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Ingredient 2: A Pinch of Trust

As any New Zealand team leader will tell you over a cup of Wellington-roasted coffee, trust is the yeast of the high performing team pie. It makes the team rise. Without trust, even the most talented teams can crumble under pressure. Trust builds the foundation for open communication; it fosters an environment where team members feel safe to express their ideas, debate their points of view, and innovate without fear of ridicule or retribution.

Ingredient 3: Clear and Tangy Goals

Goals in a team should be like a good Kiwi marinade—clear, with just the right amount of tang. Clear, because everyone needs to understand what they’re working towards; tangy, because goals should be challenging and exciting enough to motivate the team to stretch their capabilities.

Ingredient 4: A Dash of Robust Processes

Processes are the unsung heroes of any dish. In the realm of high performing teams, robust processes ensure that things are done efficiently and effectively. They’re the kitchen rules that keep everyone from stepping on each other's toes. But beware! Too rigid processes can stifle creativity, just as overly strict recipes can stifle a chef’s flair.

Ingredient 5: Generous Spoonfuls of Communication

Communication is the oil that keeps the engine of a team running smoothly. It’s about ensuring that everyone is not only heard but also understood. From regular team meetings to impromptu catch-ups, effective communication ensures that every team member is aligned and moving in the same direction.

Ingredient 6: The Secret Sauce—Psychological Safety

Finally, the secret sauce—psychological safety. This is what allows team members to take risks, to voice untested ideas, and to report mistakes without fear of embarrassment or retribution. It’s about creating an environment where people can be their full, authentic selves. Google’s Project Aristotle found this to be among the most important ingredients in the teams that excelled.

Stirring It All Together

So, how do you mix these ingredients together? It starts with leadership. Leaders are the chefs of the workplace; they set the tone, stir the pot, and sometimes have to taste-test new strategies to see what will work best. They need to be adept at adjusting the flavours—maybe a team needs more autonomy (less micromanaging), or perhaps a project is under-seasoned with resources.

The Proof Is in the Pudding

When these elements combine effectively, the results are palpable. Teams that communicate openly, respect each individual’s contributions, and embrace a shared vision can reach impressive levels of performance and innovation. They are the teams that don’t just meet targets; they exceed them in ways that leave a lasting impact on their organisation and their industry.

In essence, while not every team is destined to be a world-beater, with the right ingredients and a skilful mix, turning your team into a high performing one is entirely possible. It’s not rocket science; it’s just good recipe management. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!