Five Steps to Build a High Performing Team

Everyone likes to win. It’s that rush when you finally close the deal. The satisfaction of holding that trophy when you take first place or clinch the championship. The joy of celebrating with your team.

A good win feels even better when you accomplish it as a team. And when you work with high-performing teams, you set yourself up for repeated success.

Years ago, when I had the opportunity to build a team that would help launch a new start-up, I set out to pick the absolute best team I could find. How did I do that? By selecting the right people for the job. People with the energy, passion, and know-how to get the job done. I went all in on these people, investing in them, encouraging them, and most importantly, trusting them to make bold choices. In return, they went all in for our business. Without that team of rock stars, we could not have successfully built the business.

So, how do you build that dream team? Here are five key ingredients to build a high performing team:

1. A Clear Vision: Leaders must clearly state the shared goal of the organization. What is the big idea the team is working to accomplish? For my Mid-Markets team, we aim to be a growth engine for AT&T and become the fastest growing provider of 5G and Fiber serving small and medium sized business in the U.S.
2. The Right People: High performing teams are full of capable, diverse people who are committed to the vision. Getting the right people on the team may be the most critical step. Beyond race and gender, be sure to think of diversity in terms of experiences, skill sets, communication styles, and personalities. The next person you select should add something new to the team. The right people will have an enterprise mindset and commit to the greater vision over their own individual success.
3. Clear Roles and Responsibilities: A football team with all quarterbacks will not win many football games. The team needs running backs, linemen, kickers, and even coaches. Everyone on the team has a clear role and responsibility. The team needs to get the ball to the right player on the field to win the game. This is true in business as well. Business “players” need clarity on what each of the members are responsible for, get the right task to the right team member, and each player needs to be accountable for their outcomes. Everyone should clearly understand how their everyday tasks connect with the greater vision.
4. Communication and Collaboration: Nothing is more important than building trust on a team. When everyone is operating in the best interest of the overall team (not themselves), the door is open for real collaboration and breakthrough results. People must feel safe talking honestly and directly about what’s working and, more importantly, what’s not. Team members must be open to sharing successes and failures so the team can pivot to new approaches when necessary.
5. Recognition: It’s important to recognize both the big accomplishments and the mini milestones. High performing teams are not afraid to take on demanding work, and after long days and uphill climbs, it’s energizing to recognize and celebrate successes along the way. My teams use a fun “One Clap” to frequently celebrate small successes as we work towards larger wins with more substantial forms of appreciation. The tougher the challenge, the sweeter the reward.

High-performing teams are all about the people. Surround yourself with people who build you up, encourage you to dream big, challenge one another, and bring out the best in each other. You will grow together and win together. Everyone wants to be a part of a winning team – winning is FUN!