Teams: 5 Traits of a High Performing Team [VIDEO]

It’s great to watch a high performing team excel at what they do best, achieving their goal through fast-moving and well-coordinated excellence.

Not all teams start out or perform at this level. Some teams just chase the next thing in front of them – resembling a game of “bunch ball,” forgetting they are on a team in pursuit of a goal. Others rely on a single “superstar” to carry them while the rest of the team enjoys the ride. But neither of these methods hit the goal or sustain a team.

We have found that high performing teams have the following five traits in common as they move towards success.

1. Passion

Great team members share a love and passion for their mission, their goals, and what they are doing together. They are dedicated to being the best they can be because they have answered the question of “why” it matters.

2. Purpose

Great teams have translated their “why” question into “how” to define their purpose.  The end goal and outcomes are clear and measurable, and there is a plan to get there.

3. Position

Each member of a high performing team knows their role and position. This means I don’t have to know every position or do everything, but I will do my part really well, and I am trusting you to know and do your part.

4. Pass

Just as soccer players learn to pass the ball trusting that the other player will be where they said they would be, the same is for business. I will do my work, but at times I will “pass the ball” to you, trusting that you are going to be doing your job to move it forward. High performing teams know that trust is the key to collaboration that produces something better than we could achieve on our own.

5. Press

Finally, when teams have everyone in place, a purpose, and a great plan, the team members are released to press forward with great passion for what they are doing, knowing that the outcome is what matters most. And they do so without hesitation or passively waiting for next instructions – great teams own the plan!

As a leader/coach, I do my best work from the sidelines, investing in how OTHERS succeed by:

1. Instilling passion

2. Defining purpose

3. Assigning positions and roles

4. Creating the trust to “pass the ball” to one another

5. Releasing the team to press toward a new level of performance with accountability – because it is no longer about any one of us

President Harry S. Truman put it best, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit!”

We are passionate about teams, and we would love to know what works for you as you inspire and lead your team to perform its very best. Comment below!

Contact us for more information on how our coaches can help your team be more effective.

Paul Keisling is a Senior Consultant at The Center Consulting Group and has over 40 years’ experience in building, leading and operating organizations. He enjoys coaching and developing leaders at all levels of organizations. He is particularly interested in supporting organizations and leaders in times of crisis, transition and through the strategic planning process. Paul has served on a number of nonprofit boards and was a founding board member of Chariots for Hope - an organization that oversees Children's Homes across the country of Kenya. He holds a BA in Behavioral Science from Messiah College, a Master of Social Work from Temple University, studied theology and counseling at Westminster Seminary, and is a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner. He is a frequent presenter on mental health topics, program development and Servant Leadership.