Building High-Performing Leadership Teams

Have you ever felt like your leadership team is paddling furiously, but going nowhere fast? You're not alone. As a Systemic Team Coach, I've seen it all - from teams stuck in the doldrums to those riding the crest of high performance. The difference? It's not about paddling harder, it's about steering smarter.

So, what makes a leadership team truly high-performing? Let's explore some of the characteristics that set these teams apart.

They're Match Fit

High-performing teams aren't just skilled—they're resilient. They've got the fortitude to weather storms and the stamina to go the distance. If your team is feeling stressed and overwhelmed, it might be time for a fitness check. Are you match-fit for the challenges ahead?

Being match fit isn't just about handling stress—it's about thriving under pressure. These teams have developed coping mechanisms and support systems that allow them to perform at their peak, even when the going gets tough. They understand that mental and emotional fitness is just as crucial as technical skills.

They're Psychologically Safe

No tip-toeing around on eggshells here. High-performing teams have the psychological safety to speak up, challenge ideas, and, yes, even make mistakes. Without this, you're just a bunch of yes-men (and women!) in a fancy boardroom.

Psychological safety is the bedrock of innovation and growth. It's what allows team members to bring their whole selves to work, to propose crazy ideas that just might work, and to admit when they've messed up. In a psychologically safe environment, conflicts become opportunities for growth rather than sources of tension (or worse!).

They're Learning Machines

These teams don't just learn - they've mastered the art of learning. They've got solid processes in place, and they're always looking to level up their game. When was the last time your team learned something new? When was the last time they even thought about learning something new??!!

High-performing teams understand that in the business world, standing still is essentially moving backwards. They actively seek out new knowledge, whether it's through formal training, peer-to-peer learning, or good old-fashioned trial and error. They're not afraid to experiment, and they view failures as valuable learning experiences. And they’ve got a really strong reflective practice. They look back to move forwards.

They Know Where Their Energy Goes

High performers audit their time like it's money (because it is). They know exactly where their energy is going and whether it's pushing them towards their goals. If you can't tell me what your team spent the last week doing, we need to talk.

These teams are masters of prioritisation. They're not just busy—they're productive. They've learned to distinguish between urgent and important tasks, and they're not afraid to say no to activities that don't align with their strategic objectives. They regularly review and adjust their focus to ensure they're always working on what matters most.

They Know Who They're Being

It's not just about what you do, it's about who you are. Are you the stress-head? The underconfident one? The busy fool? High-performing teams are aware of their mindsets and how they impact the team – both the dynamics and its ability to be successful.

Self-awareness is a superpower in high-performing teams. They understand that their attitudes and behaviours set the tone for the entire organisation. They're conscious of their strengths and weaknesses, and they're always working on personal growth. They know that to lead others effectively, they must first lead themselves.

They've Got an Outside-In View

These teams don't just navel-gaze. They're keenly aware of their stakeholders and how they're perceived. It's not just about how nicely you play together – it’s about the quality of those relationships and whether they’re the right relationships.

High-performing teams understand that they don't operate in a vacuum. They're constantly scanning their environment, seeking feedback from customers, partners, and other stakeholders. They use this outside-in perspective to inform their strategy and decision-making, ensuring they stay relevant and responsive to market needs.

They Leverage Their Collective Style

High-performing teams don't just understand their individual leadership styles - they know how to leverage their collective style. If you've got a team full of “fiery reds” (hello, Insights Discovery!), you'd better know how to harness that energy without burning the place down and leaving a trail of bodies in your wake.

Diversity is a strength, but only if it's properly leveraged. High-performing teams understand the unique blend of personalities, skills, and experiences they bring to the table. They know how to tap into different leadership styles for different situations, creating a flexible and adaptive team dynamic. More than that, they actually appreciate the qualities in those that aren’t carbon copies of them.

They Embrace Productive Conflict

High-performing teams don't shy away from disagreements. They understand that conflict, when handled constructively, can lead to better decisions and stronger relationships. They've learned to debate ideas vigorously while treating each other with respect and empathy.

Why Teams Seek Help

Now, here's the thing - most leadership teams I work with call me in for one of three reasons:

1. They're brand spanking new (hello, Tuckman's Forming and Storming)

2. They're facing massive change

3. They want to go “from good to great”

Whichever camp you're in, the goal is the same - to transform from a group of individual leaders into a high-performing leadership team.

Yet this transformation doesn't happen by accident. It takes intentional effort, expert guidance, and sometimes, a bit of a shake-up. It requires a willingness to look in the (ugly) mirror, to challenge long-held assumptions, and to step out of comfort zones.

If you're seeing signs of siloed behaviour, lack of communication, repeated mistakes, or that very British phenomenon of being terribly nice to each other without having any actual honest conversations - it might be time to call in the Navy.

Every high-performing team started somewhere. The journey from good to great is just that - a journey. It's not about reaching a destination and stopping. It's about continually raising the bar, pushing boundaries, and striving for excellence.

Get in touch if you’re ready to turn the tide on your team's performance. We can chart a course to move your leadership team from good to great.

Wouldn't you rather be the team riding the wave of success than the one being tossed about by the currents?