If you go through job descriptions, most of them will ask for a team player with excellent communication skills. Why?
The root of this requirement lies in the formation of high performing teams. High performing teams are those that are focused on the business goals and achieve superior results. These are teams that work like well-oiled machines, need little supervision from upper management, and do what is right for the organization by going above and beyond what is required.
Some very obvious advantages of high performing teams are:
- Low Turnover
- Trust and accountability in performing their work duties
- Safe place to have disagreements and discuss ideas
- Avoiding groupthink
From a HR perspective, a high performing team(s) creates a workplace culture that attracts high quality talent that can be easily assimilated into the organization.
We all know which teams in our organizations are high performing ones.
6 characteristics that high performing teams have in common
- No passing the buck ever: When a request for information is made or a question is raised, everyone takes on the responsibility of answering it or finding the right person to answer the question. “This is not part of my job” is a phrase used by low performing teams.
- Managers and business leaders put in face time: Be it a lunch and learn session or timely one- on-ones, organizations that understand that people add value to their business have managers that invest the time with their people.
- Caring: You can teach people skills but you cannot teach them to authentically care. The quickest way to demotivate a team is to be oblivious to people’s work and their contribution. People consider the exchange of pleasantries an important part of what makes for an engaging environment. A small thing like remembering a team member’s hobbies or asking about their kids, can make all the difference.
- Conflicts are welcome: A high performing team is usually the one where people can talk to each other even when they disagree with each other. Conflicts can be a turning point in the workplace and create meaningful relationships, increase accountability, and avoid groupthink.
- Learning: High performing teams are obsessed with learning. At the end of every project, people check in with each other to make sure they have learned what they can from the experience and make improvements for next time.
- Recognition and Appreciation: A timely thank you note or well-timed comment can make someone’s day and make them feel more connected to the team. High performing teams don’t rely on management for appreciation; they recognize each other’s contribution verbally as well as through their actions.
Understanding the nuances of each other’s work habits, communicating opinions, and working towards a common goal is what makes a high performing team; it takes time to build high functioning teams but they are well worth the effort.