When you observe your teams at work, what do you see? Are they highly engaged, motivated and powerful? Are they ineffective and dysfunctional? Or maybe somewhere between. If you’re interested in improving your team’s performance, the greatest opportunities lie in improving accountability (personal and organizational), alignment and communication. 

Success rests on your team’s ability to work together effectively toward common goals. That means that you, as a leader, have to find a way to focus their efforts and then build and maintain momentum to accomplish your key results.

Here are three things that you can do as a leader to improve the overall performance of the team.

1.      Establish Clear Expectations and Goals

One of the most important steps to improving team performance is to establish clear expectations and goals.  Employees who have a crystal clear understanding of the work to be complete and the goals to be accomplished are able to work more effectively and with a higher level of engagement. 

Without that clarity, employees may not understand what they are expected to do or how their work contributes to the organization's overall objectives. This can lead to confusion, frustration, and ultimately disengagement.

To establish clear expectations and goals, start by identifying the core objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) that are most important to your business. These may include metrics such as revenue, customer satisfaction, or productivity. Once you have identified your KPIs, work with your team to set specific goals and objectives that align with these metrics.

Remember to narrow your list of objectives to a handful that matter the most. Otherwise the team’s efforts become diluted.

Be sure to communicate these goals clearly and regularly, so that your team understands what is expected of them and can stay focused on achieving their objectives.

2.      Foster a Culture of Accountability

Accountability is a crucial component of team performance. When team members feel accountable for their work, they are more likely to take ownership of their tasks, work collaboratively with others, and strive to achieve their goals. However, accountability doesn't happen by accident. It requires a deliberate effort to create a culture where team members feel empowered to take ownership of their work.

To foster a culture of accountability, start by setting clear performance expectations and holding team members accountable for meeting them. Encourage open communication and feedback, and be sure to recognize and reward team members who demonstrate accountability in their work. This can be as simple as acknowledging their contributions during team meetings or providing opportunities for professional development.

3.      Improve Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication and collaboration are critical for team success. When team members can communicate openly and collaborate effectively, they can work together towards shared goals, resolve conflicts, and achieve results.

To improve communication and collaboration, start by providing regular opportunities for team members to interact with one another. This may include team-building activities, regular team meetings, or virtual collaboration tools. Be sure to establish clear guidelines for communication, such as when and how team members should communicate with one another, and encourage open dialogue and feedback.

You might also consider providing training and resources to help (leadership) team develop their communication and collaboration skills. This could include courses on active listening, conflict resolution, or effective team communication.

Accountability, alignment and communication create a stronger team chemistry. That chemistry is powerful once its created and builds on itself over time, creating higher levels of engagement, motivation and collaboration. It’s a key driver of your long-term success.

Improving team performance requires a deliberate effort to foster accountability, alignment and communication within your organization.  By setting clear expectations and goals, fostering a culture of accountability, and improving communication and collaboration, you can create a team that is engaged, motivated, and willing to work together toward shared objectives.  The final result is a greater opportunity for you to achieve your organizational goals and set your business up for long-term success.