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In sports, high performing teams win championships. In business, they are essential for companies of all sizes to achieve exceptional results and maintain a competitive edge in the market.
High-performing teams have distinct characteristics. They:
High-performing teams rarely emerge all by themselves. Small business owners and managers have to create an environment that fosters high performance. It’s worth the effort.
The benefits of cultivating high-performing teams include increased productivity, strong decision-making capabilities, diverse skill sets, innovative solutions, a strong work ethic and a commitment to delivering quality outcomes. Client service and employee retention efforts improve, too, as does the bottom line.
Human resources play a crucial role in developing and nurturing high-performance teams. Seven best practices will help small companies build and maintain teams that fuel growth and longevity:
High-performing team members not only possess the necessary skills and expertise for their positions but also align with the organization’s culture and values. Look for candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic, adaptability and a collaborative mindset. Emphasize diversity to draw in a range of perspectives and ideas within the team.
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High-performing teams thrive in an environment where trust and transparency are valued. Encourage open and honest communication that welcomes and encourages team members’ ideas, concerns and other feedback. Establish clear channels for information sharing, including anonymous options, and ensure that managers and other company leaders actively listen and respond to input.
Achieving a team’s full potential depends on team members’ ability to work together cooperatively. Encourage cross-functional interactions, where team members from different departments or disciplines jointly take on projects to achieve common objectives. Promote knowledge sharing, encourage brainstorming sessions and facilitate teamwork through effective project management tools and techniques.
High-performing teams, which are naturally oriented toward continuous improvement, thrive on regular feedback that helps them develop and grow. Facilitate a culture where constructive feedback is provided both horizontally (among team members) and vertically (from managers to team members and vice versa).
Timely and specific feedback helps team members understand their strengths, areas for improvement, value and contributions to the team’s and company’s success. It also signals that management cares about developing employees and helping them advance their careers.
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Because these supercharged teams value feedback, make it easy for them to get it. Encourage regular team meetings where ideas, progress updates and challenges are openly discussed. Implement communication tools and platforms that facilitate seamless information sharing, such as project management software or instant messaging programs.
Offer ongoing training and development opportunities that update team members’ skills and teach them new ones. Leverage both traditional learning opportunities, such as workshops and online courses, and nontraditional options that could include learning networks and peer or externally-provided coaching.
Calling out wins and exceptional achievements is essential for motivating team members to continue performing effectively. This regular practice also instills a sense of pride in the team’s work which translates to higher engagement levels.
Implement a program that acknowledges and celebrates individual and team contributions. This can include monetary or other incentives, public recognition internally, opportunities for career advancement or additional responsibilities that align with team members’ aspirations.
By following these HR tips, small businesses can enjoy the innovation, productivity and success that high-performing teams deliver. Remember that such teams require a continuous commitment to talent development, fostering a positive work culture and promoting open communication and collaboration.
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That’s where an outside partner can help. The experts at Axcet HR Solutions can play a significant role in enabling small companies without robust in-house HR departments to build and grow high-performing teams. We can help ensure you have the right people on your team, a supportive environment and a commitment to continuous improvement so your company can unleash the full potential of your teams and your business.
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