How to Build a High-Performing Team

How To Build A High-Performing Team

Set Clear Expectations and Shared Standards

High-performing teams function best when everyone understands what success entails. Clearly define goals, responsibilities, priorities, and decision-making authority; when individuals know precisely what they are working toward, accountability follows, resulting in more consistent delivery.

Practical tip: Start each week with a quick priorities check-in where every team member shares their top three objectives.

Encourage Open and Honest Communication

Teams perform better when communication is transparent and constructive. Encourage questions, minimise ambiguity, and normalise raising challenges early.

Scenario from a coaching client:
I was coaching a senior leader in the professional services sector who mentioned that her team was hesitant to contribute during weekly reviews. After observing the meeting, it became apparent that the format made team members unsure about how their comments would be received. We implemented a simple structure: each person would share one insight, one challenge, and one request. Within three weeks, the team began to speak up more, hidden issues were identified sooner, and collaboration noticeably improved.

Practical tip: Implement a concise meeting structure, such as “What’s working, what’s stuck, what’s next,” to keep discussions focused and productive.

Use Emotional Intelligence to Strengthen Relationships

Effective teams are built on trust, which deepens when leaders understand and regulate their own emotions while responding thoughtfully to others. Emotional intelligence enables you to accurately assess situations, maintain composure under pressure, and support team members effectively.

Practical tip: Be aware of your emotional triggers during difficult conversations and take a six-second pause before responding to choose a calm and constructive reply.

If developing emotionally intelligent leaders is your focus, you might find it helpful to explore my bespoke leadership development programmes.

Give Balanced and Timely Feedback

High-performing teams want to improve, and that requires feedback that is specific, timely and fair. Recognition boosts motivation, while constructive feedback clarifies expectations and guides development.

Practical tip: Use a straightforward feedback formula: describe the behaviour, explain the impact, and suggest a clear next step.

Prioritise Development and Growth

Individuals are more likely to excel when they observe progress. Provide opportunities for learning, offer stretch assignments, and establish clear pathways for advancement. Leadership coaching and training can accelerate this progress by equipping individuals with tools for improved communication, informed decision-making, and greater resilience.

Practical Tip: Schedule regular one-to-one meetings to discuss both development goals and performance.

Celebrate Wins and Reinforce Positive Behaviour

Acknowledging and celebrating achievements, no matter how small, cultivates a sense of progress and motivation. By taking the time to honour these small victories, you not only sustain high morale but also strengthen the behaviours you wish to encourage.

Practical tip: End the week by asking the team to share one achievement they are proud of.

Final Words

Creating a high-performing team is a continuous journey that inspires growth. Through clarity, emotional intelligence, and steadfast leadership practices, exceptional performance becomes an intrinsic part of your team’s daily rhythm, rather than a distant goal to chase.

If you’re looking for practical support to build a high-performing team, you might find it helpful to explore how I support teams through my bespoke leadership development programmes.

I deliver In-Person Leadership Training across Surrey, Sussex, Kent, and Essex, as well as live online training nationally and internationally.