5 Keys to High-Performing Teams: Insights from Our High Performance and Happiness Research
In our ongoing research at Twenty2 Collective, we’ve uncovered key factors that distinguish high-performing teams that are also genuinely happy. Through understanding what drives teams to thrive both in terms of results and well-being, we've refined our approach to focus on five essential elements. Let’s explore these in detail:
1. Connection: The Foundation of Team Success
At the heart of every high-performing team is a deep sense of connection. This goes beyond just professional interactions—true connection is rooted in trust, mutual respect, and genuine care for one another’s well-being. When team members feel connected, they’re more likely to support each other, communicate openly, and collaborate effectively. Research shows that teams that prioritize connection experience fewer conflicts and resolve issues faster.
How to Foster Connection:
Encourage team-building activities that promote trust and camaraderie.
Create opportunities for informal interactions, such as virtual coffee breaks or team lunches.
Practice empathetic leadership by checking in with your team members on a personal level, not just about work.
2. Make Meetings Matter: Time Well Spent
Meetings can either be productive spaces that drive progress or time-wasters that leave everyone drained. High-performing teams know the difference. For them, meetings are intentional, focused, and designed to achieve specific outcomes. When meetings are run well, they reinforce alignment, accountability, and engagement within the team.
Best Practices for Effective Meetings:
Clearly define the purpose of each meeting and share the agenda in advance.
Make meetings interactive by involving everyone in discussions and decision-making.
End with clear action items and assign ownership for follow-up.
3. Whole Self: Bring Your Full Authenticity to Work
One of the cornerstones of a high-performing team is the acceptance and appreciation of the “whole self.” This means embracing diverse perspectives, recognizing both strengths and vulnerabilities, and allowing team members to express themselves authentically. When individuals feel free to be themselves, they’re more likely to contribute creatively and meaningfully.
Promoting the Whole Self in Your Team:
Encourage open conversations where team members can share their experiences and ideas without judgment.
Celebrate diversity by recognizing the unique contributions each person brings.
Lead by example—be transparent about your own journey and show vulnerability where appropriate.
4. Feedback: The Engine of Growth
Constructive feedback is crucial for continuous improvement. High-performing teams don’t shy away from giving and receiving feedback; instead, they see it as a vital tool for personal and collective growth. Frequent and actionable feedback keeps everyone aligned and fosters a culture of learning.
Implementing a Feedback Culture:
Encourage a mindset where feedback is seen as a positive opportunity for growth, not criticism.
Create formal and informal channels for feedback, such as regular check-ins and peer reviews.
Train your team to give feedback that is specific, balanced, and focused on behaviors, not personalities.
5. Be Real: Authenticity Drives Trust
Authenticity and transparency are the glue that holds high-performing teams together. When team members are real with each other—open about their thoughts, intentions, and challenges—it creates an environment of trust and psychological safety. In such environments, people feel safe to take risks, voice new ideas, and innovate.
How to Cultivate Authenticity:
Foster open dialogue where everyone feels safe expressing their true thoughts and concerns.
Address conflicts directly and respectfully rather than avoiding difficult conversations.
Encourage leaders to model vulnerability and admit when they don’t have all the answers.
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Conclusion: High Performance Meets Happiness
High-performing teams don’t just achieve results—they create an environment where people thrive. By focusing on connection, making meetings matter, bringing the whole self to work, embracing feedback, and being real, you can build a team that’s not only successful but also truly happy. If you’re interested in exploring how these principles can transform your team, reach out to us at Twenty2 Collective. We’re here to help you unlock the full potential of your team.
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