How to build high-performance teams?

Companies are only as great as the teams that run them! You agree?

So how do you get the right people, the right environment, and the right incentives?

I recommend using 9 principles to craft high-performing teams:

1. The Peacemaker Principle

High-performing teams often include a “people person.” I don’t mean HR — it’s someone who naturally makes connections, brings people together, and inspires collaboration and camaraderie.

These personalities naturally defuse minor conflicts in the team before they get big.

2. The Clear Mission Principle

Great teams need a North Star.

Can the team make a difference? What purpose do they serve? Create an inspiring mission to perform at the highest level. The whole team should know their WHY.

When people don’t have a why, performance, morale, and momentum will tank.

3. Skin in the Game Principle

Teams perform best when the members are personally incentivized to succeed.

This can be ownership, a bonus, or a promotion, or non-monetary rewards like acclaim or recognition.

It’s worth taking the time to learn what makes your team feel valued. If you don’t, you can spend a lot of time and effort on incentives that just don’t connect.

Effectively tie personal outcome to the team outcome, and you’ll start winning  more.

4. The Anchors Away Principle

Every team has weak links. But top performers will balance them out, right?

Wrong.

Weak team members act as anchors weighing down the whole team. And they can grind things to a halt.

Cutting your anchors can be tough. It might be about finding a better place for them in your organization. Or it might mean letting them go.

5. The Benetton Principle

Teams with a variety of backgrounds and cultures perform better.

Studies show diverse teams produce more patents than average.

It’s not just right – it’s good business.

Anyone who doesn’t see the worth in a diverse team is missing out big time.

6. The No Responsibility Without Authority Principle

Responsibility = “you own this”

Authority = “you have the power to enact change”

If you’re asking your team to do something, make sure they have the authority  to get it done. If you don’t, they’ll feel powerless.

7. The Hierarchy Principle

Sure, it might give everybody warm fuzzies to have a flat hierarchy. But business is not a commune, potluck, or campfire.

You always get the best results with a single person leading.

Otherwise, nobody is ultimately responsible for achieving the team’s goals.

8. The We Are Humans Principle

Get the team out of the office.

Encourage them to know each other personally.

Have fun. Build trust. Be people — even at the office.

Studies show the highest-performing teams bond over non-work topics.

The same applies to online business. Try to get remote teams together at least  once a year. The trust, effectiveness, and morale of your team is more than worth the expense of a few plane tickets.

9. The Swoop Principle

Sometimes the boss needs to get in there.

Email wars? Tell them to pick up the phone. Stupid meetings? Do some coaching!

Is good work happening? Compliment it!

Leaders must step in when needed.

That’s it!

Use these principles to build beautiful teams of happy, productive people making a difference.

I’d love to hear from you — are you a team builder? What principles do you think are most important? Contact me at [email protected]