High-performing teams often appear from the outside like a well-oiled machine—their underlying mechanics working together seamlessly to achieve their goals.
While it may appear that these teams operate in perfect harmony, their success is built on a foundation of intentional strategies and practices that go far beyond surface-level engagement.
In this blog, I’ll discuss some lesser-known approaches that high-performing teams use to maintain focus, productivity and morale and, in the process, highlight performance strategies that work.
Engagement Strategies High-Performing Teams Don’t Publicize
Engagement Starts Before the Work Does
One of the most important secrets of high-performing teams is that they’re aware engagement is not merely a byproduct of effective execution. They understand the need to invest time in defining the “why” of their work before tackling the how. This helps createa sense of purpose and commitment among the team members, ensuring they’re all on the same page. We’ve all had experiences where work on a project begins only to discover later on that each member’s ideas of deliverables and project goals differed from the next.
One practice I’ve seen that effectively tackles this problem is the pre-project vision alignment workshop. During these sessions, team members come together to discuss the project’s objectives, anticipated outcomes, and the impact of their work. Starting with open and honest dialogue about project requirements and how their individual roles contribute to the whole is one secret that high-performing teams use to avoid roadblocks before they encounter them.
In line with this, another benefit of the pre-project vision alignment workshop is that it allows potential stress points to be identified before the project begins. High-performing teams discuss challenges they may need to confront, whether they’re tight deadlines, limited resources, or dependence on external factors, such as another team. The secret of the high-performing team is confronting these issues early so they can plan ahead and mitigate the effect of slowdowns.
Silent Meetings: A Hidden Efficiency Hack
Many high-performing teams have begun adopting the practice of silent meetings as an efficiency hack. A silent meeting starts with team members sharing their thoughts and concerns in writing before live discussions, which improves participation and engagement.
Jeff Bezos and the high-performing teams under his direction at Amazon began implementing this practice years ago to stellar results. They banned the practice of using PowerPoint presentations in their meetings and instead began a silent reading period of 15 to 30 minutes at the start of each meeting. This way, everyone has time for note-taking and reflection before beginning the discussion.
Furthermore, since every team comprises both dominant and reserved voices, this technique ensures that all voices are heard. This is especially important for the functioning of high-performing teams because if only one or two people consistently drive the conversation about a project, it will inevitably travel in that direction, leaving thoughtful contributions on efficiency by the wayside.
Engagement Metrics: Beyond the Usual Surveys
Annual engagement metrics are useful in some contexts but high-performing teams recognize that relying solely on these tools can provide a limited view of their team’s dynamics. For example, while GDP is one measure of the strength of an economy, it doesn’t tell you much about how far your money actually goes in that country.
For high-performing teams, lesser-known metrics, such as tracking response rates to feedback may be more useful. For instance, a high response rate to team surveys or check-ins indicates a willingness to engage in conversation, whereas a low response rate may indicate reluctance to share opinions or even discontent. If response rates to feedback are consistently below what these teams require, they have the opportunity to implement strategies to enhance communication rather than let team members continue to disengage.
Psychology-Based Tactics for Engagement
The Role of Cognitive Diversity in Sustained Engagement
Cognitive diversity, the difference in how individuals process information, is something high-performing teams understand as a driver of innovation and sustaining engagement.
I’ve seen teams employ various strategies to understand and leverage different thinking styles, from Meyers-Briggs tests to creating problem-solving groups composed of team members with different experiences and perspectives. What’s more, high-performing teams often engage in brainstorming exercises that solicit input from all members. One variation of this is similar to the silent meeting mentioned earlier in that team members write their ideas down on paper before sharing them with the group—another way to increase the participation of more reserved colleagues.
The Engagement Power of Micro-Breaks
It’s well-documented that humans can only maintain high levels of focus for so long. Taking just 10-minute micro breaks can help recharge team members’ thinking and help them stay productive.
While offering some respite, traditional, longer break periods after hours of work hide the fact that team members were likely fatigued earlier and, therefore, less productive while still on task. High-performing teams schedule their breaks strategically by using tools like the “Pomodoro Technique” but customizing it to suit their team. For example, they may change the work intervals to suit a task or just their own team’s preferences.
Creating Personalized Work Environments
Whether or not you’re part of a high-performing team, you’re still likely spending 8 hours per day at the office. Spending that much time somewhere is bound to create a desire to personalize your workspace. Having team members that feel comfortable in their workspace is one way high-performing teams increase productivity.
These teams allocate funds for items and subscriptions to do just that. For example, ergonomic chairs, keyboards or mice and productivity tool subscriptions can all improve the comfort of a team member’s space and improve their productivity.
Communication Techniques That Maintain Engagement
Asynchronous Communication
Asynchronous communication is an area where high-performing teams thrive. Allowing this type of communication is one way in which team members are granted the time to reflect on their thoughts and respond meaningfully.
However, this needs to be balanced with real-time interactions to maintain momentum. Asynchronous tools like email and project management platforms are great for soliciting ideas, but there are times when urgent matters arise, or brainstorming sessions are necessary. High-performing teams effectively balance these two styles to maintain their dynamism.
“Red Teams” for Self-Critique
The idea of “red teams” is one secret of many high-performing teams. Taken from military strategy, this idea involves a team whose role is to critically challenge ideas and proposals by their colleagues. This practice helps shine a light on potential pitfalls and boosts engagement in discussions about the direction of the project—increasing efficiency.
Rotating Leadership Roles for Ownership
High-performing teams give each member a chance to step into a leadership position. Rotating leadership roles builds empathy and collaboration across the group as individuals gain insight into the challenges of managing a team.
This strategy deepens team engagement as each individual feels their contributions matter. They’re more likely to invest their time and energy into achieving shared goals when they feel they’ve directed some of the progress.
Overlooked Factors That Impact Team Engagement
Non-Traditional Workspaces
Working in an unconventional environment can provide a refreshing break from the mundane everyday office environment and high-performing teams are adept and mixing up the routine. This helps to promote creativity and keeps collaboration fresh.
For example, they may meet in offsite locations, coworking spaces, or take retreats which can help fire off new connections that may not occur in the traditional office.
Autonomy Contracts for Teamwork
Autonomy contracts are an innovative approach that high-performing teams use to formalize flexibility within a structured framework. By outlining expectations, responsibilities, and freedoms, autonomy contracts can enhance engagement by allowing individuals to tailor their work experiences according to their strengths and preferences. Simply put, if you feel trusted to work as you please as long as you meet the deliverables, you’re more likely to feel motivated and invested in your work.
Celebrating “Failures” Publicly
No matter if it’s in work or personal life, it’s important to think of failures as a learning opportunity rather than focusing on the failure itself. High-performing teams know to celebrate the lessons learned from mistakes by team members. This promotes trust and engagement by shifting the potential focus from blame to collaboration.
Actionable Tips for Building Engagement in Your Team
Implement Decision-Free Days
In any situation, the constant pressure to make choices—big or small—can lead to mental exhaustion, diminishing creativity and enthusiasm. High-performing teams know to implement a decision-free day once a month to combat this issue. A day to recharge without any urgent decisions allows teams to reorient themselves and refresh their creativity.
Reverse Mentorship
In reverse mentorship programs, junior employees take on the role of mentors for senior staff, which can provide a more dynamic work culture. Additionally, it helps provide senior leaders with insights into emerging trends in technologies or cultural shifts, helping leaders stay informed and engaged.
Data-Driven Recognition Systems
Data-driven recognition systems are an emerging trend among high-performing teams. This helps individuals receive recognition more directly than traditional methods which may require managerial approval. Peer-to-peer praise platforms allow team members to acknowledge others’ contributions in real-time which can promote a more organic culture of appreciation.
Wrapping Up
I’ve seen high-performing teams utilize a range of strategies to maintain their levels of productivity and group cohesion. From asynchronous communication to silent meetings and carving out space for all voices to be heard, implementing small but innovative changes within your team can lead to exceptional results.
At York and Columbus, we provide invaluable support for organizations looking to enhance team cooperation and engagement. If your organization is looking for ways to build its own high-performing teams, we’d be delighted to help you succeed.
Additionally, my upcoming book explores these concepts even deeper, with practical guidance on implementing these strategies at your company. These insights can help strengthen and empower your team.
