Key Principles of High-Performing Teams

Have you ever wondered what makes tech companies like Google, Amazon, or Airbnb so exceptionally successful?

These industry giants are known for their great products. But there is something beyond that. Behind these great products are high-performing teams that drive excellence.

What sets these teams apart?

Certainly, having strong and skilled employees is one key factor. To pass a Google interview, for example, candidates need to pass many stages, meet high standards and demonstrate exceptional abilities.

But there's much more to their success than skills alone. It's the culture they foster, their guiding principles, and the environment they create that sets them apart. These companies create a culture that motivates and inspires their employees, allowing their teams to thrive and achieve remarkable results.

The good news is that even if your company isn't as prominent as Google, you can still aspire to become a place where high performance and excellence are the vision that every team aims for.

And it's not just about replicating the success of giants; it's about creating a unique environment that inspires and drives your team towards greatness.

So, what are the fundamental components of high-performing teams? Undoubtedly, each team is unique. However, certain key principles consistently stand out in all high-performing teams.

• Psychologically Safe Environment - Plenty of research has shown that the key to high-performing teams isn't about having the best individuals. It's about fostering an environment where people feel safe, motivated, and happy. Google's research highlights psychological safety as the #1 factor in top-performing teams. When team members can openly share mistakes without fear of judgment and freely seek answers through questions, productivity cal flourish.

• Purpose and Clear Goals - In the past, it was common to view work simply as a means to earn money. However, in today's world, people increasingly seek a deeper sense of purpose in their careers. This trend is particularly evident among the younger generations, who prioritise purpose when choosing a job. When teams have a shared sense of purpose and a clear goal to accomplish, they are much more motivated and engaged, which drives greater productivity and fulfilment within the team.

• Accountability - In a psychologically safe environment, coupled with a clear sense of purpose, teams are empowered to take Accountability for their work. This sense of ownership fosters a culture built on responsibility and trust, where every member is seen as reliable and committed to delivering on their promises. As accountability takes root, teams become creative, and open to explore new solutions and ideas. Failures become valuable learning opportunities, and continuous improvement becomes the norm.

While there are numerous other characteristics that define highly-performing teams, I believe that these three principles form the core foundation. They serve as the backbone of a healthy and productive team, laying the groundwork for success.

In a place where they feel safe, with a clear sense of purpose, and shared accountability, teams can build a solid framework for continuous growth and excellence, and are prepared to achieve remarkable results.

What follows is a series of short essays.

#1 How to Cultivate Psychological Safety in Your Team

#2 How to Achieve Purpose and Clarity in Your Team

#3 How to Set a Culture of Accountability in Your Team

In the upcoming weeks, I’ll dive into each of these topics and I’ll share tips and practices on how to build Highly-effective teams.

Till next week.

Best,

Marina