Can Leaders Stifle Innovation?
Innovation is often the beating heart of a successful organisation. It sparks growth, sets businesses apart, and fuels future success.
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Our work with a huge selection of teams and our psychological research spanning over 20 years means we recognise how to meet the threshold to be a high-performing team.
So let’s get into it. What are the signs of a high-performing team?
A high-performing team starts with strong leadership. Great leaders inspire, support, and guide their team, setting the tone for success. They don’t just give direction – they empower their team to take ownership and feel motivated to contribute their best work.
Clear communication is the backbone of any high-performing team. Team members share ideas openly, listen carefully, and keep each other informed. When everyone knows what’s going on, it minimises confusion and helps the team make better decisions and solve problems more effectively.
In a high-performing team, everyone knows their role and understands the bigger picture. There’s clarity around responsibilities, and everyone is aligned on the team’s goals. This focus helps keep things on track and ensures that everyone’s efforts contribute to the team’s success.
A high-performing team is one where people feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and make mistakes without fear of judgement. This kind of environment encourages creativity and innovation because everyone feels confident to contribute and take risks.
Trust is essential in high-performing teams. Team members need to rely on one another, knowing they’ll deliver on their responsibilities. Trust reduces micromanagement and enables everyone to focus on their work, knowing their teammates have their backs.
In a high-performing team, accountability is key. Everyone takes responsibility for their tasks and is committed to the team’s success. If something goes wrong, the team works together to fix it, without assigning blame, and uses it as an opportunity to improve.
Collaboration goes beyond just working together – it’s about combining strengths and sharing ideas. High-performing teams understand the power of diverse skills and perspectives. They actively collaborate to find better solutions and achieve the best possible results.
High-performing teams are always looking for ways to improve. They embrace feedback, learn from their experiences, and are open to trying new approaches. With a growth mindset, they’re constantly evolving and pushing themselves to reach even higher standards.
A high-performing team isn’t just a group of people working together – it’s a well-oiled machine where leadership, communication, trust, and accountability come together to drive results. If you see these signs in your team, you’re on the right track. If not, don’t worry – it’s never too late to start building the foundation for an amazing team.