What is a key characteristic of a high-performing team?

A key characteristic of a high-performing team is having clear goals. This clarity ensures that all team members understand the objectives they are working towards, which enhances alignment, focus, and collaboration. When goals are well-defined, team members can measure their progress, contribute effectively toward common outcomes, and stay motivated. Furthermore, clear goals facilitate communication, as individuals can discuss their contributions and challenges related to reaching those objectives.

In contrast, effective change management, while important, is more about how a team navigates transitions than a characteristic they possess inherently. A strict hierarchical structure can limit creativity and openness, often stifling the input from all team members, which is contrary to the collaborative nature of high-performing teams. While individual achievement can contribute positively to team success, a high-performing team is characterized by collective results and collaboration through shared goals rather than simply recognizing individual accomplishments. Therefore, the emphasis on clear goals stands out as a foundational characteristic of a high-performing team.