Developing High Performing and Thriving Teams  

In today’s fast-paced, resource-constrained, and changing healthcare landscape, performing, thriving, and happy teams are what organisations strive to achieve.  

In this article we highlight key aspects of building and leading high-performing teams, based on insights from a discussion between Mike Jones, Employee Engagement and Wellbeing Consultant, and Michelle Howard, a Leadership and Management Specialist and Host of our Leadership Live podcast.  

Leaders and managers play a pivotal role in shaping thriving teams, and a clear vision for the future serves as an essential base for success. By establishing a shared vision and through being clear about the values that guide their endeavours’ leaders can effectively align team members and foster a sense of purpose. This alignment empowers team members to contribute their unique talents and expertise towards a common goal, driving innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement. It also takes away any uncertainty that employees may feel. Whether working with your own team or across teams, a clear vision will provide a good foundation.  

All of this takes time, and often amidst the daily whirlwind of caring for patients, meeting and administrative tasks strategy gets side-lined. This can leave teams to navigate change and challenges without a clear direction. Prioritising and carving out time specifically for strategic planning provides the necessary space to align everyone on the team’s goals, objectives, and priorities. It also helps to foster a shared understanding which empowers team members to make informed decisions, collaborate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to achieving the team’s vision. 

Long term, this will create greater efficiencies and a happier workforce where teams are empowered to take ownership, share their ideas and shape the workplace positively. Transformation and change are now an integral part of leadership in health and social care and in prioritising strategic planning, leaders not only enhance their team’s ability to adapt to change but also create a culture of shared ownership and purpose. This fosters a sense of collective responsibility, driving team members to work together towards a common goal and avoiding the challenges that navigating change may bring. 

Collaborating across different teams can be a challenging task, but it also presents immense opportunities for shared understanding, innovation and growth. Through fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s ideas, skills, and expertise through open communication and actively listening to different perspectives that you can truly create high-performing teams. By acknowledging and valuing each team’s contributions, embedding a culture where people feel safe to admit mistakes and take risks, we can create a synergistic environment where everyone’s strengths are amplified, and people feel safe to share their ideas.  

Where teams work together across different boundaries, or departments language and terminology can often be a barrier to effective communication. Establishing a common language that everyone understands is essential for ensuring that ideas are conveyed accurately and effectively. By making an effort to communicate clearly and concisely, we can minimise misunderstandings and foster a more harmonious collaboration. 

We must not forget the importance of leaders prioritising their own and their team’s well-being. By role-modelling healthy behaviours, helping team members prioritise tasks, set realistic goals, and manage their time efficiently, leaders can create a healthy and productive work environment that prevents burnout and promotes strategic planning. This approach invests in the well-being of both leaders and team members, leading to increased engagement, resilience, and productivity. 

Whilst building and leading high-performing teams across traditional boundaries is not easy, it is essential for success in today’s challenging world. By following the tips above, leaders and managers can create teams that are innovative, engaged, resilient, and productive.  

We ask our readers, what is the one thing you can do today to build your high-performing and thriving team? 

To hear more from this insightful conversation listen to our episode of Leadership Live, building high performing and thriving teams.