What is a high-performing team?
It's
a team that exceeds the goals you set by working hard and smart as a
group, not individuals. It's a team that enjoys working together. Most
teams do not reach the high-performing stage. That is why they are so
special when you finally achieve this feat. You can help a team reach a
high-performing state with a number of basic steps.
1. Plan What the Team Will Look Like
Before
you bring on your first person, you need to document what it is that
your team has to achieve and by when. This can be done through a project
charter or another document that details what the team will achieve
together.
But don't stop
there. Think about the team culture you want to build, the dynamics of
your team and how they should work together.
2. Add the Right People
Building
the right team is harder than it looks. It's easy to recruit the wrong
person, and it's even easier to build a team that doesn't perform well.
Often you cannot pick and choose each team member. When you can, choose
candidates that fit the job description, align with your personal vision
for how the team will work together and want to work in a culture that
depicts your vision.
3. Create a Team Culture
If
you've hired like-minded people, get them working together on tasks.
Constantly change the people you pair up, so that people get to know
others in the team. Strengthen the relationship between the team and
your customers. Find opportunities to get the team socializing together.
4. Motivate the Team - and Yourself
A
happy motivated team will always out-perform an unhappy unmotivated
one. And it starts with you. Are you happy and motivated? Your
motivation will rub off on your team. If you are motivated, focus on
motivating your team. Use team building and group rallying exercises to
get them pumped up. Tell them how proud you are to work with them. Help
them understand why the goals are important and how every team member
contributes to them.
Step 5. Recognize Accomplishments
People
respond positively to positive behavior. So you need to constantly
recognize achievement when it's due. Tell the team about an individual's
success. Make them feel proud. Spread the love—don't focus on one team
or person too frequently.
If
you plan for success, recruit a great team, build a positive culture,
motivate the team and recognize achievement, you'll build a healthy
project team and boost your chances of success!
