Unlocking High-Performance: The Vital Role of Team Leaders and Teams

8 Weeks into working for a new company, Janet is starting to realise that the great values, super team, and culture that values differences story sold to her before starting were just false advertising. The team is now pushed to achieve better numbers despite not having the correct information, training and support to perform better. Janet notices that her colleagues remain quiet in the meetings, with managers talking as if they're parents, failing to ask questions and enable cocreated solutions through the facilitation of discussions. Does this scenario sound familiar in any way?

Unlocking High-Performance: The Vital Role of Team Leaders and Teams

In today's dynamic workplaces, the quest to form high-performance teams is an ongoing and essential pursuit. The essence of a high-performance team lies not merely in a collection of individuals but in the synergy that magnifies their collective abilities beyond the sum of their parts. Janet's experience, reminiscent of many, sheds light on a common reality: teams often fall short of their potential due to a lack of effective leadership and a shared commitment to growth.

When a team falters in meeting its objectives despite possessing diverse talents and capabilities, it begs the crucial question: is it truly a cohesive unit or merely a gathering of individuals bearing the same title?

Janet's disillusionment at her new workplace echoes a familiar sentiment. The promising values touted during recruitment now appear as slogans, failing to translate into tangible action. The absence of proper guidance and adequate training right from the start set the team on an arduous path towards success, hindered by the dearth of essential information and supportive resources.

The scene in meetings further reflects the undercurrents of dissonance within the team. Colleagues retreat into silence, passivity dominating discussions, while managers assume a dictatorial stance, squelching the potential for open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. The stark absence of an inclusive environment stifles creativity and inhibits exploring innovative solutions.

In this scenario, the pivotal question arises: What role does a team leader play, and what steps can they take to pave the way for transforming a team into a high-performance force?

The Team Leader's Crucial Roles in High-Performance Teams

Drawing from Pat McMillan's insights discussed in 'The Performance Factor,' a team leader assumes several pivotal roles in cultivating a high-performance team:

1. Vision Setter: The team leader serves as the beacon, articulating a clear vision that aligns all members towards common goals, fostering unity and direction.
2. Facilitator of Collaboration: Encouraging an environment of open communication and collaboration, the leader promotes teamwork, idea-sharing, and collective problem-solving.
3. Coach and Mentor: Acting as a coach and mentor, the leader guides team members, provides feedback, and supports their growth and development.
4. Conflict Mediator and Problem Solver: Addressing conflicts and challenges, the leader facilitates resolution and guides the team towards solutions, fostering a harmonious and productive environment.
5. Resource Provider and Supporter: Ensuring the team has the necessary resources and support, the leader removes obstacles hindering progress and enables effective task execution.
6. Promoter of Accountability and Responsibility: Instilling a sense of accountability and responsibility among team members, the leader clarifies roles and sets expectations for ownership and contribution.
7. Role Model for Team Values: Leading by example, the leader embodies the values, work ethic, and behaviours expected, setting the tone for the team's culture and standards.

Navigating Team Development Stages for High Performance

Recognising the stages of team development, particularly the storming phase, is fundamental to achieving high performance. When a team leader assumes a parental-style role, stifling conflicts or avoiding the storming phase, it impedes the team's growth. Allowing the team to navigate through storming, resolving conflicts, establishing norms, and holding each other accountable is vital for their maturity as a cohesive unit. A leader who facilitates this process instead of controlling it enables the team to transition into the performing stage, where collective goals are pursued with synergy and efficiency. Encouraging a team to work and communicate as adults, fostering open dialogue, and resolving conflicts constructively is pivotal in creating a high-performance team culture.

The Imperative of Competent Team Leadership: Hiring or Training Managers

A critical but often overlooked aspect lies in the significance of managers possessing effective team leadership skills. Competent managers serve as linchpins in fostering an environment conducive to high-performance team dynamics.

Many organisations fail to recognise the pivotal role of managers in nurturing high-performing teams. Organisations must consider two fundamental approaches:

1. Hiring Competent Managers: The selection process for managerial roles should prioritise technical expertise and interpersonal and leadership capabilities. Hiring individuals with a proven track record in team leadership can significantly impact a team's success.
2. Training Managers for Effective People Leadership: Alternatively, organisations can invest in comprehensive training programmes to equip existing managers with the essential skills required for effective team leadership. These programmes should focus on communication, conflict resolution, motivational techniques, and fostering a collaborative environment.