Map team’s performance genome

After years of study and direct experience with teams, I believe I have discovered the DNA code of team-based peak performance.

Projects are the actions that bring visions to life, and visions are brought to life through the commitment of teams. People, not machines, execute projects. We recognize this and read the many books and articles on “building high-performing teams.” We also invest in team-building exercises ranging from ropes-course retreats to communications workshops.

These are all very good opportunities for teams to learn about each other, but do nothing to help us understand how to build a high-performing team. What are the core skills – the genetic make-up – that makes peak-performing teams successful?

We know DNA is the code that defines the development and functioning of all living organisms. It is compared to blueprints and recipes, and it provides the genetic information that allows living systems to function, grow and reproduce. Peak-performing teams can be thought to have a DNA code of their own.

I’ve identified four basic DNA strands in the peak-performing team model: leadership, innovation, team building and task discipline. As successful professionals, everyone has developed strengths in some of these areas, making their individual “project DNA” slightly different, but each person has a unique combination of these strands.

Weaving the strands

Projects are often stressful environments that work best when the team represents the full spectrum of skills. Being able to match team skills to project tasks is a challenge for project managers and team leaders, so each strand deserves a closer look.

Leadership skills are critical. Projects usually include change and innovation, and a confident leader can achieve objectives while overcoming fear and resistance. Team leaders are the role models who usually possess a “can do” attitude. They are self-starters, focused and not easily sidetracked. They are direct and straightforward communicators.

Innovation and risk-taking skills are also critical to every project. Innovators are the people who view success through the lens of new ideas and offer new solutions to old problems. They see change as a challenge and are not intimidated by crisis. In fact, problem-solving is a strength that can always be relied upon by team members. These individuals are spontaneous and can make the project fun.

Team builders are vital. These are the people who move the team toward accomplishing a common goal for the common good. These people focus on every team member’s motivation and happiness. They foster a work/life balance in order to keep the team healthy both in mind and body. Team builders are optimistic, help everyone get along, and deal with disagreement diplomatically.

Task discipline is the final element we must have. Who will focus on the details of tasks, plans, procedures, policies and processes? Task discipline folks ask the hard questions to ensure details of any change have been thought through. They are dependable and can be counted upon to establish procedure, work out the details and get the job done. They like to be appreciated and deal with disagreement rationally and specifically.

These four DNA strands do not relate to job titles, descriptions, or job functions. These are the inborn and learned strengths that everyone brings to the workplace. For peak performance, everyone team member must learn to recognize these strengths in fellow team members, regardless of job title.

Keys to peak performance

Communication and understanding are keys to peak performance. If team members recognize the value of all contributions, teams move from polarization of good guys versus bad guys to a realization that we are all good guys with a unique and critical contribution to make.

But it’s not as simple as identifying someone’s strand. Every individual expresses these four specialties in various combinations and the combinations provide yet another dimension to the DNA. Just as each living thing exhibits various characteristics based upon its DNA, so do team members. The combinations allow for the subtleties and diversity required for all manner of work, business, and expertise. Layer on top of the team DNA such variables as education, world view, industry expertise, communication style and temperament and you have a spectacular range of contribution.

Think for a moment about your team. Can you identify the DNA strands within your team? Imagine being able to create a profile of the collective team. Combine that knowledge with the outcomes of ropes courses, role playing and communication exercises and you have the foundation of a peak-performing team.

The discovery of DNA and the unlocking of the human genome led the way to innovation in areas such as disease prevention, DNA forensics, agriculture and anthropology. Understanding the genome of peak-performing teams can unlock their full spectrum of creativity and truly harness the power of business performance.

Shirley Esterly is a master facilitator who assists her clients to explore opportunities for innovation, strengthen collaboration and build sustainable practices. Her company, QuantumWest, is based in Greeley and she can be reached at [email protected].