The high-performing team: an idea to keep, or a DedX?

In this DEDx podcast episode we explore the concept of high-performing teams. What are we talking about in this context, what value does this idea offer, and is this the right way to think about teams in your organisation? Is the idea one that has merit, or a DedX: an idea worth binning?

Highlights:

• What do we mean when we talk about high-performance teams? Teams that meet or exceed external expectations are usually output-focused.

Advantages:

• Productivity Boost: High-performing teams often deliver exceptional results, driving productivity and quality in the organisation.
• Innovation and Creativity: Teams that perform at a high level are more likely to generate innovative solutions and creative ideas, fostering a culture of innovation within the organization.
• Client Satisfaction: They are better equipped to meet and exceed client expectations, leading to higher levels of client satisfaction and retention.
• Efficient Collaboration: Effective teamwork leads to streamlined processes, faster decision-making, and better utilisation of resources, resulting in more efficient collaboration among team members.
• Employee Engagement and Satisfaction: Being in such a team can boost morale, engagement, and job satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates and reduced turnover.

Disadvantages:

• Pressure and Burnout: Constant pressure to perform at a high level can lead to burnout among team members, negatively impacting their well-being and overall performance.
• Unrealistic Expectations: Pursuing high performance may create stress for team members and lead to disappointment if targets are not met.
• Team Dynamics: Focusing solely on output may neglect important aspects of team dynamics, such as trust, communication, and psychological safety, which are essential for long-term success.
• External Factors: High-performing teams may face challenges from external factors such as leadership changes, market fluctuations, or unforeseen obstacles, impacting their ability to maintain performance levels.
• Risk of Overlooking Individual Contributions: Emphasizing team performance may overshadow the contributions of individual team members, leading to feelings of disengagement or undervaluation among team members.

Conclusion:

There’s a lot that high-performing teams offers as a concept, but we think there’s even more it misses. On balance, it’s an idea worth binning - there are better ways of conceptualising teams and setting them up for success.

If you have any Dedx suggestions email us at team@samsas.one with the subject line Dedx Idea. We would love to hear them!

John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadm/

Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-wesson-54989929/

Music credit: by Yevhen Onoychenko from Pixabay

Disclaimer: The ideas discussed in this podcast are intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as serious business advice. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and seek professional advice before implementing any of the ideas discussed.