In this article, we will discuss some techniques you can use to lead your team to success. We will also cover some of the common pitfalls that leaders often fall into, and how you can avoid them.

1. Set Clear Expectations

One of the most important things you can do as a leader is to set clear expectations. Your team should know exactly what is expected of them and what goal the team is trying to achieve. If your team is unsure of what they are supposed to be doing, it will be very difficult for them to focus, to prioritise and deliver results. When leaders do not set clear expectations, it often leads to confusion and frustration among team members, which can quickly lead to a decline in performance.

2. Establish a Strong Culture

Another key ingredient for leading a high-performing team is to establish a strong culture. This means creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, and where everyone is and where everyone is aligned in the vision. A strong team culture will help to motivate and inspire your team members, and it will also make it easier for you to resolve conflicts when they arise. Without a strong team culture, it is very difficult to maintain cohesion in the team and the motivation to work together towards common goals.

3. Encourage Open Communication

Open communication is essential for any team, but it is especially important for high-performing teams. Leaders should encourage their team members to openly share ideas and feedback, and they should also make sure that everyone feels heard and valued. When team members feel like their voices are being heard, they are more likely to be motivated, engaged and committed to the work that they are doing. However, if team members feel like their voices are not being heard, it can lead to frustration and resentment. When leaders do not encourage open communication, it leads to even less communication and some team members feel like they are operating with only half the information necessary to do their job.

4. Empower Employees

A key part of leading a high-performing team is empowering your employees. This means giving them the autonomy to make decisions and take action without always needing to check with you first. It also means trusting them to do their jobs well and supporting them when they make mistakes. When employees feel empowered, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their work. However, if they feel like they are constantly being micro-managed or that their opinions and ideas are not valued, it can lead to them feeling demotivated and disengaged.

5. Celebrate Success

Finally, it is important to celebrate success when it happens. This helps to show your team that you are willing to invest in them and that you appreciate their hard work. It also helps to keep everyone motivated and focused on achieving the goals that you have set. When leaders do not take the time to celebrate successes, it can lead to team members feeling like their work is not appreciated, which can rapidly lead to a decline in performance.

What to do next?

Supporting your leaders while they build high-performing teams in your business make good sense. No one operates alone and you need to build and solidify your networks where you can. Beyond the Barriers can help your organisation to build high-performing teams. Contact us to find out how.

Want to know more? Keep reading about high-performing teams.

1. Characteristics of high-performing teams
2. How to build a high-performing team
3. Leading high-performing teams
4. Performance profiling
5. Behaviours of high-performing teams
6. High-performing team model
7. High-performance culture