The Secret Ingredient to High-Performing Teams

Ever wonder why some teams seem to work like a well-oiled machine and others not so much? The answer often lies in one key element: Guiding Principles. These principles are the backbone of any high-performing team – driving behaviour, shaping culture, and ensuring everyone is moving in the same direction. Guiding Principles are vital for team development, and they may just be the missing ingredient your team needs.

Guiding Principles articulate how your team performs its work, setting norms and standards for your team’s actions and interactions. Strong Guiding Principles are action-oriented, focus on behaviours, and capture the cultural spirit of the team. Effective Guiding Principles should also be aspirational. They not only reinforce positive team behaviours but also contain aspects that focus on areas for growth. At a high level, Guiding Principles should capture:

• What We Believe: what we value, our worldview, and what we prioritize.
• What We Say: the words we use, how we describe things, and the messages that we emphasize or share.
• What We Do: our common behaviours and actions; what we reward and discourage.

By incorporating Guiding Principles into your team’s day-to-day activities, you can create a framework for consistent and values-driven behaviour. 

Here are five key ideas to keep in mind when crafting effective and meaningful Guiding Principles:

(1) Prioritize Trust 

Trust is the foundation of any strong team, and Guiding Principles play a crucial role in building it. Guiding Principles that emphasize transparency, honesty, and respect create an environment where team members feel safe to express themselves, share ideas, and take risks. This trust leads to stronger relationships and better collaboration, as team members feel supported and valued.

(2) Cultivate Accountability

Strong Guiding Principles establish clear expectations for behaviour and performance. They provide a benchmark for what is considered acceptable and what isn’t, fostering accountability within the team. When team members understand the standards they need to meet, they are more likely to take ownership of their actions and responsibilities. This accountability leads to higher performance and a stronger sense of commitment to the team’s success.

(3) Highlight Growth

Guiding Principles that promote learning and growth encourage continuous improvement. They inspire team members to seek out new skills, share knowledge, and strive for excellence. This not only enhances individual capabilities but also strengthens the team as a whole. When a team is committed to getting better every day, it becomes more adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges. 

(4) Anticipate Change

In a constantly changing world, Guiding Principles provide stability. They offer a consistent point of reference that helps teams navigate uncertainty and adapt to new situations. Guiding Principles that emphasize flexibility, resilience, and proactive problem-solving equip teams to handle change with confidence and ease. This adaptability is essential for staying competitive and achieving long-term success.

(5) Inspire Leadership

When leaders embody a team’s Guiding Principles, they inspire others to follow suit. This creates a ripple effect, encouraging all team members to uphold the same standards. Consider the leadership qualities and behaviours you want your team to exemplify when crafting your Guiding Principles. They might include elements like boldness, transparency, innovative thinking, or fun. Every team is unique, so choose what fits best. Effective leadership grounded in Guiding Principles fosters a strong sense of community within the team.

Creating a high-performing team is entirely within reach, and it starts with a solid foundation of Guiding Principles. To learn more about how we can help your team create meaningful, impactful, and unifying Guiding Principles, please visit: https://macphie.ca/culture/