BR#14: Working With High-Performing Teams

The simplest formula for leading a high-performing team is quite obvious:

1. Hire determined people who’ve already honed their skills

2. Provide them with the tools and frameworks that they need to effectively work together

3. Give them the space to own their work and be creative (i.e. get out of their way)

I’m a big believer in hands-off leadership. Skilled, proactive professionals don’t need a lot of hand-holding. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t much for leaders to do.

If you’re in a leadership role, there’s plenty for you to do when you free yourself from the time drain that is micromanagement. For instance:

Your team needs to clearly understand your vision and how the different elements that they are working on connect. Effectively communicating that takes thought and time.

They need to understand where to place their focus based on the company’s priorities and targets. They need the right tools and frameworks to effectively get their jobs done.

They need to be able to focus on their work without interruptions from stakeholders who can be better managed by leadership.

They need help resolving bottlenecks and internal conflicts.

They need clear priorities. Clear, complete briefs. Sometimes, hard decisions need to be made about what to do, what to put on hold and what to cancel. Making the right decisions often involves analysis, consulting with various people, and proper communication.

There is a lot of work that can and should be done to support a high-performing team in order to make the most of their talent.

It’s critical work that I believe delivers more value to the project than micromanaging and spending time looking over people’s shoulders.

P.S. Do you have feedback about this newsletter or how I could make it better? I’d love to hear it! Feel free to message me on LinkedIn or email to tell me more.