There is no “I” in Team

The art of high-performing teams for business success

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There is no “I” in team. Being a team, we do things together. We're able to achieve amazing things when we can act as a team.

A high performing team can be amazing for a company. When a team is high performing and they really gel and work together really well, you can do anything. And therefore, the highest r o i for a company. You know what they say, “teamwork makes the dream work” and this is true in the workplace.

I’ve spent more than a decade as an Agile Coach for Technology companies, both Fortune 500 (Google, PayPal, Paramount, Yahoo, Disney) and a selection of accelerating Startups. And what I’ve learned is that

At the heart of business success, is not only clear and high-impact offerings for customers, but high productivity and velocity - and these, my friends, come from high-performing teams.

But how do we get high-performing teams?

High-performing teams are the backbone of successful companies. To cultivate such teams, several key factors must be considered.

Firstly, fostering a culture of open communication and trust is essential. Team members should feel comfortable sharing ideas, giving constructive feedback, and supporting each other.

Secondly, diversity within the team can lead to richer perspectives and innovative solutions. Embracing different skills, backgrounds, and experiences can enhance overall creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Additionally, setting clear goals and providing autonomy to the team allows them to take ownership of their work and feel empowered to make decisions. Regular team assessments and feedback loops help identify areas of improvement and ensure continuous growth.

Lastly, effective leadership is crucial in guiding the team, nurturing their strengths, and resolving conflicts when they arise.

By prioritizing these elements, high-performing teams become the driving force behind true success, longevity and results in today’s competitive business landscape.

One shining example is Google, where I recently led the PMO for Geo (Google Maps, Google Earth). Google’s renowned culture of collaboration and innovation has led to groundbreaking products and services. Google’s teams embrace diversity, encourage open communication, and empower individuals to take risks, fostering an environment where creative ideas thrive. This positive team culture has been instrumental in their ability to continuously push boundaries and stay ahead in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Another noteworthy example is the e-commerce giant Amazon. Known for its customer-centric approach, Amazon’s high-performing teams prioritize customer satisfaction above all else. Their teams work cohesively, leveraging their diverse skill sets and expertise to deliver products and services that exceed expectations. Amazon’s emphasis on a customer-centric team culture has propelled them to become one of the most influential and successful tech companies in the world.

In both cases, the success of these tech giants can be attributed to their unwavering commitment to fostering high-performing teams, where collaboration, trust, and a shared sense of purpose create an environment where innovation thrives, and business excellence is achieved.

One example of a tech company whose downfall can be attributed, in part, to not taking care of its people is "Theranos." Founded in 2003 by Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos aimed to revolutionize the healthcare industry with a breakthrough blood-testing technology. However, as the company grew, reports surfaced about a toxic work environment, lack of transparency, and unrealistic expectations set upon its employees. Former employees revealed that dissenting opinions were discouraged, leading to a culture of fear and silence. The immense pressure and stress on employees to meet unrealistic deadlines and deliver unproven technology ultimately contributed to the company's downfall. In 2018, Theranos faced severe legal and financial consequences, and its once-high valuation collapsed, showcasing the devastating impact of not prioritizing the well-being and nurturing the potential of its people within the organization. This serves as a stark reminder that neglecting the welfare of employees can have far-reaching consequences, not only on individuals but also on the overall success and sustainability of a company.

Aspiring tech companies can draw valuable lessons from these examples, understanding that cultivating a positive team culture can be the catalyst for achieving extraordinary outcomes in today’s competitive tech-driven landscape.

As an Agile Coach, I’ve seen some pretty transformative stuff in company success.

High-performing Agile teams have emerged as a transformative force in the realm of software development, (but I’ve seen it in other areas too) propelling projects to success through their unwavering focus on team collaboration and high velocity. At the core of Agile methodology lies a set of key components that drive this efficiency.

First and foremost, Agile methodologies prioritize constant communication and collaboration among team members. Daily stand-up meetings and sprint retrospectives ensure everyone is aligned, aware of progress, and can address any challenges swiftly.

Secondly, Agile emphasizes incremental development and continuous delivery, allowing teams to respond quickly to changing requirements and deliver valuable features faster. This iterative approach fosters adaptability and keeps the team’s velocity consistently high.

Moreover, Agile promotes cross-functional teams where individuals with different skill sets work together seamlessly, encouraging collective ownership of the project’s success. By promoting self-organizing teams, Agile empowers members to make decisions and take ownership of their work, enhancing motivation and productivity.

The combination of effective communication, iterative development, cross-functional collaboration, and a self-organizing team structure creates an environment where high-performing Agile teams thrive, consistently delivering high-quality software at an impressive velocity.

In the pursuit of company success, the significance of nurturing the individual within organizations cannot be overstated. Whether in the tech industry or beyond, high-performing teams and positive team cultures are the driving forces that push boundaries and achieve remarkable outcomes. Companies like Google and Amazon have exemplified the power of fostering collaboration, trust, and diversity among their teams, leading to groundbreaking innovations and unparalleled growth. Moreover, Agile development has demonstrated that a relentless focus on team collaboration and high velocity can result in efficient and adaptable projects. Ultimately, it is the individuals at the heart of these teams who possess the power to turn visions into reality. By valuing each team member, encouraging their growth, and providing opportunities for personal development, organizations create a nurturing environment where employees are empowered to unleash their full potential.

Embracing the importance of the individual as the heartbeat of company success not only fosters high-performing teams but also cultivates a culture of excellence that propels organizations to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

When you are thinking about product or company success, what are you going to focus on first? More bluntly, who?

xo,

Gilli