How to Build a High-Performance Team
Through Effective Coaching and Delegation.
Listen here
Building a high performance team isn’t about constantly demanding more from people…it’s about creating an environment where they feel motivated to consistently perform at their best. Effective coaching and the correct delegation are two important factors.
Before that comes “setting the scene”. What are your expectations for each individual, and how do they contribute to the success of the team. Explain what success looks like, and why their work matters…this needs to be clear…not fluffy words.
Effective coaching isn’t about giving answers, but about improving how your team thinks and solves problems. This means asking questions like, “what options have you considered” or “what would success look like”. Here delegation and coaching link as the focus is on decision making, and not just results. Your focus is trying to build independence and not to create a team that constantly checks back with you.
Part of this requires you to build the belief in your teams, and allowing them the chance to self develop. If you are stepping in too often, you either have not coached effectively, or you have not provided an empowered culture.
Delegation should be about developing your team, and not clearing your own desk! Delegation fails when it’s treated as dumping instead of transferring ownership. The correct delegation requires clear outcomes(what needs to be achieved)…boundaries (constraints, deadlines, resources etc.), and a degree of freedom in how to get there…think boundaries!
You also need to match tasks to capability. Newer team members will need more structure and meets, experienced team members can have broader ownership with fewer meets needed. Remember that high performing teams operate on a continuous improvement basis. Make sure that your regular 121s are focused on growth and development, and not just updates. Think what worked…what didn’t…what have we learned?
But, you are a part of this, so allow and encourage upward feedback…your team should be able to coach you too! Make sure that you build psychological safety. People perform better when they’re not afraid to speak up. Encourage admitting mistakes early, challenging ideas (including yours), while reinforcing accountability for results and clear performance standards.
Support and accountability is where high performance really happens. Remember, if everything flows through you, you don’t have a high-performance team! Beware of where constant approval is needed, and where your team are waiting for your decisions. Always remember…coaching is improving capability, delegation is distributing ownership, when both are combined, you have a winning performance!
“The best executive is one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it”.
Theodore Roosevelt
