What's the Secret of High-Performing Teams? 8 Underrated Tips

The recent global pandemic has forced many organizations to rethink their operations. An increasing number of employees resign from their jobs, and those who remain often feel disengaged and unfulfilled.

So, what's the secret of high-performing teams? How can you create a team that is not only productive but also happy and engaged?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to what makes a high-performing team, but some key ingredients are essential for any team that wants to perform at its best.

From providing project management software monday to encouraging innovation, here are some tips for creating a high-performing team:

1. Hire the right people.

Hiring should never just be about filling a role. You need to make sure that you're hiring people who are not only skilled and talented but also a good fit for your company culture.

Assess personality and fit.

Employers make the mistake of getting too hung up on skills and experience when hiring. While these are important, they're not the only things that matter.

It's equally important to make sure that the person you're hiring is a good fit for your company. The best way to assess fit is to give candidates a work sample test or case study so you can see how they would handle a real-life situation.

Assess their potential.

A person's potential isn't the same as their skills and experience. Potential is about how much a person can grow and develop over time. When assessing potential, look for things like:

- Are they coachable?

- Do they have a growth mindset?

- Are they always looking for ways to improve?

- Do they take on new challenges?

2. Invest in training.

When employers believe in an employee, they invest in their development. This could be anything from sending them on courses and workshops to providing mentorship and coaching.

It's important to remember that training isn't a one-time event. You need to invest continuously in your employees if you want them to reach their full potential. Here are some ideas for how you can invest in employee development:

Arrange regular check-ins with employees.

This could be monthly, quarterly, or even annually. The aim is to provide employees with regular feedback, so they know what they're doing well and what areas they need to improve in.

Set up a mentorship program.

Every employee should have a mentor to whom they can go for advice and guidance. A mentorship relationship differs from a manager-employee relationship as it's more informal and focuses on career development.

Check out how to increase productivity of team members for some more tips.

3. Get the right project management tools and software.

There is now a greater emphasis on remote work, which means that project management tools and software are more important than ever. The right tools will help you to track progress, communicate with team members, and keep everyone on the same page.

For one, Halsell project management software is great for sales and marketing, as it eliminates the need for multiple software like Slack and Asana and can automate tasks.

Train your team on how to use the tools.

Once you've chosen the right project management tools, you must train your team on how to use them.

This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and knows how to access the information they need. Check out the top 5 Salesforce alternatives for more info.

4. Promote collaboration.

High-performing teams don't operate in silos. Instead, they share information and ideas freely so everyone can benefit from each other's knowledge.

This is even more important in a remote setting as it's often harder to foster a sense of team spirit. Encourage collaboration by:

Use video conferencing tools.

Video conferencing tools like Skype and Zoom make it easy for team members to connect, no matter where they are.

Create dedicated collaboration spaces.

If you're working remotely, create dedicated collaboration spaces where team members can share ideas and work on projects together. These could be online forums, chat rooms, or even physical spaces if everyone works from the same office.

Encourage camaraderie and respect.

You don't have to be best buds with your teammates, but respecting each other and building camaraderie is important. This can be done by arranging team-building activities and social events or simply taking the time to get to know each other.

5. Promote transparency (and accountability) without micromanaging.

Micromanagement is the enemy of high-performing teams. It stifles creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Instead of micromanaging, promote transparency so that everyone knows what's expected of them. For example:

Use project management tools to track progress.

With project management tools, everyone can see what stage a project is at and who is responsible for each task. This helps to ensure that deadlines are met and that everyone is accountable for their work. Read on the benefits of an all-in-one CRM system to learn more.

Communicate openly and frequently.

Make sure there are no secrets within the team. Encourage open communication by holding regular meetings, sending out updates, and using project management tools to keep everyone in the loop.

That said, make sure your meetings aren't done too often. Nothing dampens team morale quite like a never-ending stream of meetings!

6. Encourage innovation.

Innovation is the key to high-performing teams. This is what sets them apart from the rest. To encourage innovation, you need to create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing new ideas. For example:

Encourage brainstorming sessions.

Brainstorming sessions are a great way to generate new ideas. Make sure everyone has a chance to contribute, and don't be afraid to think outside the box. Everyone should have the opportunity to share their ideas, no matter how "out there" they may seem.

Encourage risk-taking.

Innovation requires taking risks. Encourage your team to take risks and experiment with new ideas. This is the only way you'll be able to find new ways of doing things and stay ahead of the competition.

7. Give rewards and incentives.

Let's be real here; everyone likes to be rewarded for a job well done. It's human nature. So, if you want your team to perform at its best, give rewards and incentives. This could be anything from financial bonuses to paid time off.

Avoid giving half-hearted rewards, though. If you're going to reward someone, make sure it's something they actually want. This will show that you appreciate their hard work and that you're willing to invest in them. Some ideas for rewards and incentives include:

Bonuses

Scrimping on employees is one of the most surefire ways to kill any motivation to perform well. If you want your team to perform, you need to invest in them. This could be in the form of bonuses, raises, or even just small gifts.

Paid time off

Who doesn't love a paid day off? Reward your team members with some extra time off, and they'll be sure to appreciate it.

Gift cards

Everyone loves a good gift card. Whether it's for their favorite restaurant or store, this is a great way to show your appreciation.

8. Encourage learning and growth.

The best teams are always learning and growing. They're constantly looking for ways to improve their skills and knowledge. To encourage learning and growth, you need to provide opportunities for team members to develop their skills. For example:

Provide training and development opportunities.

One way to encourage learning and growth is to provide training and development opportunities. This could be in the form of online courses or even e-books. Always look for new ways to help your team members develop their skills.

Conclusion: What's the secret of high-performing teams?

In the end, high-performing teams can do what they do because they have the right mix of ingredients. By following these tips, you can create a high-performing team of your own.

With the right tools, communication, innovation, and rewards, you'll be well on your way to creating a team that outperforms the competition.