5 ways to build a high-performing team

By Carrie Kramer

Understanding what separates a high-performing team from a status-quo squad can be mystifying. Whether you’re half of a two-person team or overseeing a group of 200, each situation and team member is unique.

We do know, however, that high-performing teams across industries often share common qualities, including healthy dynamics, communication and engagement. But, most important of all, a team must have trust. Using this knowledge as a guide, here are five ways to build a high-performing team.

Emphasize psychological safety

The concept of psychological safety refers to the comfort a team member feels when sharing ideas. If they are confident that even the most outside-the-box ideas are welcome, chances are they will feel a high level of psychological safety. This makes them more likely to share, speak freely and pitch possibilities, all of which may lead to more creativity and innovation.

Encourage people to bring fresh ideas by rewarding them for their creativity. Leave a brain-shaped stress reliever on the desk of a colleague who stood out in a brainstorming meeting. When an idea isn’t taken, thank the person for speaking up and welcome their next contribution.

Create a clear path forward

To help guide your team to success, there should be a clear mission and vision statement, goals and values. Whether this is established by leadership before a project begins or is defined by the team itself early on, understanding expectations helps everyone navigate toward the finish line. When it’s time to tackle a project, employees can see to it that their strategy aligns with the group’s priorities.

To reinforce expectations, hand out pocket planners or padfolios at project kickoff meetings to keep schedules and deadlines front of mind. Include a cheat sheet with the stated mission, vision, goals and values. This helps ensure teammates will always have important project information—and those organizational principles—within arm’s reach.

Encourage transparency

Transparent communication builds trust, which is a core component for high-performing teams. Trust is important among teammates and top-down throughout an organization. Research shows it develops through everyday interactions, and it results in better communication and stronger collaboration.

Clarity is a foundational piece of overall transparency. High-performing teams communicate clearly and often to keep everyone in the loop. Scheduling regular check-ins can help keep everything on track.

Talk through tension

Transparency and trust are especially important in times of disagreement or confusion. Proactive communication helps avoid potential obstacles, like an information imbalance among teammates.

Encourage a growth mindset—not just when learning new skills, but also when managing relationships—to aid in conflict resolution. Often small disagreements, and the resulting discussion, can lead to better decisions and prevent larger problems in the future.

Share the love

When it’s time to dole out praise for a job well done, make sure to include everyone involved—no matter the size of the contribution. Not only is it the right thing to do, but studies show that using dual-promotion (simultaneous self-promotion and the promotion of others), is received more warmly than self-promotion alone.

The conclusion of a group effort is a great time to show appreciation. Surprise everyone involved at the end of a meeting or workday with treats, like truffles or lunch coolers, to show your gratitude.

The best teams are built with trust

There’s no magic wand to wave to ensure a team crushes its goals. But an essential element in teamwork is trust. By nurturing an environment open to all ideas, a clear project plan, transparent communication throughout and proper credit at the conclusion, a team is well positioned for success.

Carrie Kramer

Carrie Kramer is a merchandising category manager with more than 20 years of experience in the promotional products industry and has been part of 4imprint’s merchandising team for nearly two years. She brings extensive expertise in merchandising, product sourcing, and building strong vendor relationships. Working closely with product development partners—and always thinking creatively—Carrie continually seeks out the best promotional products to strengthen her category offerings. Her expertise and creative approach help ensure 4imprint remains at the forefront of wellness-related promotional trends.

All marks are the property of 4imprint or their respective owners.

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