In today’s fast-moving and highly competitive business landscape, building and nurturing a high-performing team is crucial for organisational success. A high-performing team not only achieves its goals efficiently but also fosters innovation, collaboration, and a positive work environment.

From that sentence alone you will not be surprised to know that very few leaders manage to create and sustain a high-performing team. In my thirty-plus years in business, I have been very fortunate to have been a member of one high-performing team and I’ve also been privileged to create and lead another.

As the latest Gallup, State of the Global Workplace Report 2024 highlights, only 23% of the world’s employees were engaged, which is a shockingly low figure. With that being the reality, it is no wonder high performance is only a pipe dream for most business leaders.

So how should a business leader go about trying to create a high-performing team? To create this dream team, business leaders must focus on the following aspects, including team composition, communication, leadership style, shared goals, and ongoing development. Here are some suggested strategies for creating a high-performing team in your business:

1. Clear Vision and Shared Goals: A high-performing team starts with a clear vision and well-defined goals. Every team member must fully understand the team’s purpose, objectives, and the larger organisational mission. Clear goals help individuals understand their roles and responsibilities, it enables them to take ownership, making it easier to track progress and measure success When team members share a common purpose, it creates a sense of alignment and a collective drive to achieve results.
2. Effective Communication: Open and transparent communication across the business is the cornerstone of a high-performing team. Regularly sharing information, updates, and providing feedback ensures that everyone is on the same page and pulling in the same direction. Encouraging active listening, something most of us are not good at, and providing a platform for team members to voice their ideas, concerns, and suggestions fosters a culture of collaboration and respect. Effective communication prevents misunderstandings, reduces conflicts, and enables the team to adapt swiftly to changes.
3. Diverse Skill Sets and Roles: A high-performing team is composed of individuals with diverse skill sets and expertise that complement one another. When team members bring different strengths and perspectives to the table, it enhances problem-solving and creativity. Assigning roles based on individual strengths and expertise allows each member to contribute effectively and feel valued for their unique contributions. All to often teams lack this diversity, with most having shared backgrounds, skills, and experiences, which can lead to “group think”.
4. Supportive Leadership: Leaders play a critical role in shaping the team’s culture and performance. A supportive and empowering leadership style encourages autonomy, accountability, and trust within the team. Leaders should provide guidance and resources while allowing team members the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Authentic and empathetic leaders who understand their team members’ needs and aspirations create an environment where everyone can thrive.
5. Continuous Learning and Development: Investing in the growth and development of team members is essential for maintaining high performance. Providing opportunities for training, skill enhancement, and career progression not only improves individual capabilities but also contributes to the team’s overall competence. A commitment to ongoing learning ensures that the team remains adaptable in a rapidly changing business landscape.
6. Recognising and Rewarding Excellence: Acknowledging and celebrating achievements boosts team morale and motivation. Recognising individual and collective efforts, whether through formal awards or simple expressions of appreciation, reinforces a culture of excellence. When team members feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to maintain their dedication and continue striving for exceptional performance.
7. Constructive Feedback and Growth Mindset: Feedback is a powerful tool for improvement and growth. Encouraging a growth mindset means viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and improve rather than as failures. Regular feedback sessions should focus on both positive accomplishments and areas for development. Creating a safe environment where team members can give and receive feedback fosters mutual respect and a commitment to continuous improvement.
8. Collaborative Decision-Making: Involve team members in the decision-making process, especially when the decisions directly impact their work. Collaborative decision-making not only leads to better solutions but also empowers team members and fosters a sense of ownership. When individuals feel that their opinions matter and are valued, they are more likely to be invested in the team’s success.
9. Flexibility and Adaptability: The business landscape is constantly evolving, and high-performing teams are agile and adaptable. Encourage a culture of flexibility that embraces change and innovation. Team members should be comfortable stepping out of their comfort zones and exploring new approaches to solving problems. A willingness to adapt to new challenges and opportunities is essential for maintaining peak performance.
10. Work-Life Balance and Well-being: A high-performing team is not solely defined by work-related accomplishments; it also prioritises the well-being of its members. Leaders need to recognise the importance of a good work-life balance and create an environment where team members can recharge and maintain their physical and mental health. Supporting well-being leads to higher job satisfaction, increased productivity, and reduced burnout.

The above is not an exhaustive list, however, each of the above aspects needs to be considered and they need to be balanced. Too much focus on one or two aspects will have a negative impact on the team environment and dynamic. Creating a high-performing team in the workplace requires a combination of strategic planning, effective communication, leadership support and commitment, and a focus on individual and collective growth.

By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that values diversity, encourages innovation, and maintains a strong sense of purpose, organisations can cultivate teams that consistently exceed expectations and drive success. Building a high-performing team takes time, effort, and ongoing commitment, but the rewards in terms of improved performance, employee satisfaction, and organisational achievement are well worth the investment.

• Paul McDevitt is managing director of McDevitt & Co