The value of a ‘high-performing’ team in any business organisation is self-evident. But what does the term really mean and how is it encouraged?
Ciaran King, PA to the case managers and events coordinator at Breakthrough Case Management, has a background in elite downhill mountain biking and high performance coaching and, here, he explores the main principles behind the company’s approach to fostering both individual and collaborative high performance
‘High performance’ is becoming a bit of a buzz-word, but it’s something Breakthrough Case Management has always strived for. As a company, we believe that creating a high performing team comes down to three guiding principles: trust and respect; clarity and open communication.
Trust and respect are crucial to any high performing team. When there’s a lack of these qualities in a team, individuals often enter into a fearful state which can lead to increased stress, anxiety and poor performance in their work.
We want our team members to feel trusted, supported and respected so that any fearful mindset is avoided; they then have the confidence to act autonomously and tap into their true potential. Establishing a culture of trust and respect within our team allows its members to collaborate, to take risks, to have accountability, to feel psychologically safe and, ultimately, to grow. This is why our monthly meetings and check-ins are so vital.
We place a strong emphasis on clarity at Breakthrough. We take the time, in company meetings and in peer reviews or appraisals, to ensure everyone understands roles and responsibilities within the shared context of common goals and vision. We produce company guides and an Index of Processes and regularly share and refer to our ethos statement, not only with new recruits but as a reminder for established case managers.
When a team binds on the meaning of why they’re working, it creates an environment where everyone feels like they belong and are able to contribute to the purpose. When there is clarity, individuals and teams can align their efforts, make informed decisions, and pursue excellence with a directed focus.
Strong communication forms the foundation of any high performing team. Encouraging open dialogue, active listening, and the freedom to express ideas and concerns, builds trust and unity. Open communication links closely to clarity. When individuals in a team communicate their needs, concerns, achievements and ambitions, it gives everyone clarity on what needs to be done and how best to do it.
We often conclude our team meetings by sharing ‘wins and struggles’ because every win should be celebrated and every struggle can be solved when a team comes together. This weekly or monthly habit in turn creates a culture where everyone can communicate openly daily.
Naturally, these guiding principles are heavily intertwined, and when one principle is lacking it affects everything. This is why these three principles always direct our daily actions, so we act in alignment and congruence as a team.
At Breakthrough Case Management, we are working hard to implement and find new ways to promote clarity, open communication, trust and respect within our company in order to foster a culture where everyone can excel and reach their full potential. Work is a huge part of most of our daily lives.
We want to create an environment where everyone at Breakthrough can feel respected, valued and able to enjoy their work, autonomously, and as part of a high performing team with shared goals.
