As complexity continues to grow in the world we live in, some of the traditional models of leadership are becoming obsolete. We are not looking for that one hero anymore, who knows it all and does it all. The team is emerging as the primary unit of performance.
If the aim is high performance in a complex context, the best vehicle is a high-performing team.
While teams always outperform individuals, there is a huge difference between a team and a high-performing team. You become a high-performing team by creating clarity, meaning, intentionality, and accountability as a collective. The team realizes its full potential. You bring out the power, which is within the team, in each individual AND in the collective.
Some of us have been lucky in our careers and experienced one or two high-performing teams. We felt its magic; the trust and the transparency, the vision that excites us, the meaning which keeps us on track, the stretch, the healthy debate, the support, the connectedness, the progress, the fun. It felt good. It felt right. The team was in flow.
This is what happens in a high-performing team:
- The team leverages diverse perspectives and skills.
Complementary Skills: The team brings together diverse skills and expertise, which can address complex problems more effectively than any single leader.
Broader Perspective: Different team members offer various viewpoints, enhancing the thought process by considering multiple aspects of an issue.
- Decision making is more effective.
Collaborative Decisions: Teams debate and deliberate on decisions, leading to more well-rounded and thoroughly vetted outcomes.
Reduced Bias: Collective decision-making reduces the risk of individual biases affecting critical business decisions.
- The team fosters innovation and creativity.
Synergy in Ideas: Team encourages brainstorming and idea-sharing, fostering innovation and creative solutions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Teams often comprise of members from different parts of the organization, leading to more integrated and holistic approaches.
- Working as a team supports sustainability and continuity.
Shared Responsibility: Teams ensure that responsibility and knowledge are not concentrated in one individual, which helps maintain continuity during transitions.
Risk Mitigation: The departure of a single individual is less disruptive when a team is in place, as the collective knowledge and leadership capabilities remain.
- It radiates engagement and morale.
Inclusive Leadership: Teams that include diverse leaders better represent and understand their ecosystem, leading to more inclusive and empathetic leadership.
Role Modelling: A leading team exemplifies collaboration and teamwork, setting a positive example for the entire organization.
- The team solves complex problems.
Multifaceted Approach: Complex business challenges often require multifaceted solutions that a team is better equipped to develop.
Strategic Alignment: Teams can ensure that solutions align with the company’s broader strategic goals by integrating insights from various functional and operational areas.
- The team provides scalability and flexibility.
Adaptability: Teams adapt more swiftly to changing business environments, as different members can focus on different areas of need.
Scalability: As the operating platform grows, teams can scale more effectively by deploying members with the necessary expertise for new challenges.
- Team members support each other.
Workload Distribution: Teams can share the workload, ensuring that no single leader is overwhelmed.
Collective Growth: As the team pays attention to performing better together, team members commit to one another’s success and growth.
We all deserve to be part of that team.
Let’s be that team!