Some teams seem to have natural chemistry. Team members work together to consistently provide excellent results. They handle conflict swiftly, work effectively, and no matter what obstacles get in their way, they get the job done.
David Burkus, a renowned author and speaker, says high-performing teams don’t just achieve more and better results than average teams — they’re truly exceptional. He says high-performing teams often achieve performance levels up to 10 times higher than average teams. How do they accomplish so much? They operate in fundamentally different ways that set them apart.
In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share Burkus’ thoughts on what high-performing teams always do. Read on to see what makes these teams shine and learn how you can adjust your approach to become even better at what you do.
1. They stay on the same page. Burkus says they work out loud, which means everyone knows what everyone else is working on. Ordinary teams may meet occasionally, divide assignments and work alone, hoping everything comes together at the end. High-performing teams provide constant updates. Team members share any roadblocks they’re experiencing and any project pivots. Your team can do this by having regular huddles, or short meetings conducted in regular bursts.
2. Understand differences. High-performing teams know and leverage each member’s differences to unlock even greater performance. Burkus recommends having each person on your team create a “manual of me.” This short document or slide deck should explain how each team member works best. For example, you could have everyone fill in the blank for statements like “I’m at my best when _______” and “You can count on me to ________.”
3. Build trust. High-performing teams tend to build trust at a higher level than regular teams, Burkus says. Without trust, team members may argue over who is right or who is to blame for failures. As a result, no one learns and improves. In high-trust teams, people know they can disagree and share their ideas without being judged.
4. Reinforce purpose. According to Burkus, high-performing teams have a habit of reminding each other why they do what they do and who they’re doing it for. They may have a mantra or ritual they repeat often. Maybe sales leaders share some success stories regularly to keep everyone motivated.
When you have a high-performing team, you’re not only getting the job done but you’re making your mark as true promo pros. From promoting clarity and leveraging each team member’s strengths to building trust and reinforcing purpose, you can build an A-Team that’s always ready to deliver excellence.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: David Burkus is an organizational psychologist, keynote speaker and bestselling author of 5 books on leadership and teamwork.
