In business there are many different aspects of high performance teams that intrinsically affect their performance and overall success rate. This statement can also be applied to teams that are created during college courses that require group projects. An important feature of high performance teams are the individuals that facilitate the group’s success. The process of collaborating with individuals, to forge a sense of pride and ownership in the task at hand, takes great attention to detail and requires all individuals to work harmoniously.

Through my experience of working in management, leading different teams, and conducting research on this topic, I have selected 10 essential components that build the foundation for efficient and effective high performance teams. These ideas embody factors that aid the growth of a strong cohesive team.

1. Communication

Constant feedback on what is working and what may need improvement will help with communication and understanding.

In addition, creativity is key for problem solving. Sharing critical thinking skills can solve problems or create new structures for ideas.

2. Clear Vision

The purpose of the team and what it wishes to accomplish must be described in the early stages of planning so that all expectations are discussed prior to beginning the project. This establishes a distinct comprehension throughout the team so that there is no confusion.

Everyone on the team needs to have a similar level of commitment to the success of the final project and goals. This helps to build an accord among all individuals within the team.

3. Group Cohesiveness

The key to a cohesive group is to find the strengths of the individuals and experiment with what will work best for the overall goals that the team aims to accomplish.

Autonomy and trust is important to form a cohesive team. There must be no confusion about the expectations, speed or quality of work each individual must contribute.

4. Don’t Be Afraid To Admit Ignorance

There may be potions of the team’s responsibilities that are not understood by one or many. There is no room for personal pride when working in a group setting, or to not express uncertainty of a task or concept. This builds onto the importance of communication that is necessary to derail any disruption of the performance of the group.

5. Designate Leads Within The Team

Establishing a group leader is important for any collaboration of multiple people. This individual needs to be someone who has the team’s best interests in mind, as well as a complete understanding of the team’s vision.

The team needs to be able to respect and follow the leader’s guidance so that they can keep everyone on task and integrated as a unit.

6. Learn How To Share Power

By giving members of the team power to explore options, tasks and responsibilities, you are creating pathways to accountability and ownership.

Each individual will seek to understand how their role is a crucial part of the team and rise to the occasion to collaborate and to get the task at hand accomplished.

7. Diversity

A good mix of different ideas and outlooks can give a team a well-rounded approach to many obstacles or situations that may appear during a project. Having a 360 degree perspective on how to accomplish the set goals is beyond beneficial for the team’s success.

8. Time Management

Timelines of expectations and goals should be active throughout the project’s duration. It is important to structure the work around guidelines that fit into all of the team members' schedules.

By honoring timelines for the completion of the work, accountability is created within the team and in the instance of an unfortunate event occurring, the integrity of the work is not harmed.

9. Feedback

Feedback helps the team gauge their own strengths and weaknesses within the project so that each member can perform a self-evaluation of their performance, an exercise which builds personal and professional growth.

10. Recognition

Team members should recognize their teammates in a timely and sincere manner upon completion of the work contributed to the project. Recognition is an important part of building morale and cohesiveness among members of the team.