What makes a team high-performing?

We have all been on teams where you like the people, you like the work, but things just never seem to go quite right. Emails get lost or go unresponded to, no one is quite sure what the goal of the company is, and that one person at the other end of the cubicle always seems to be trying to do your job. It doesn’t matter how nice people are or how good the job - a team like that always seems to struggle to get things done. 

High-performing teams, on the other hand, work together almost seamlessly. They communicate effectively, they understand and trust in a shared purpose, and everyone knows what their role and responsibility is. People aren’t afraid to speak up and give feedback because they know their voice has value in the group. Everyone comes to work understanding that they are responsible not just for themselves, but for their team. 

That paragraph may sound like a pipedream if you’re the kind of manager who supervises the first kind of group. The truth is, a high-performing team is a more achievable goal than it may seem. Team coaches can help identify weak points and opportunities for growth within your company and get your team set on the path to becoming high-performing.

What is the value of coaching in the business world? 

Coaching is a cost-effective and proven intervention that can create success for your people and teams. It can improve outcomes in terms of employee well-being, performance, and even projects. Employees may use it to navigate challenges or understand how they can build confidence in the workplace. Employers find that it can decrease turnover rates and improve retention. 

What are the ten key characteristics of a high-performing team?

At ReWorkMe, we orient our team development training around a specific set of goals. These ten key characteristics work together to help improve business outcomes and employee well-being, both individually and interpersonally

1. Clarity of Purpose

Teams thrive when everyone understands the mission, values, and desired outcomes. We help align vision with day-to-day actions so the work feels both focused and meaningful.

2. Roles and Responsibilities

Clear expectations reduce friction. Each team member knows what they own, how they contribute, and how their role connects to the larger goals.

3. Trust and Psychological Safety

Strong teams are built on trust. We foster open dialogue and mutual respect so people feel safe to share ideas, give feedback, and take risks.

4. Communication Within the Meeting and Individually

Healthy communication drives progress. We strengthen listening, feedback, and clarity—both in team settings and individual interactions.

5. Decision Making and Accountability

Effective teams make timely, transparent decisions and take ownership of results. We introduce structures that balance empowerment with follow-through.

6. Conflict Management

Disagreement isn’t a problem—it’s an opportunity. We help teams manage conflict constructively so tension fuels innovation, not frustration.

7. Individual Behavioral Style

Every personality adds value. We use behavioral insights from the Birkman Method® behavioral assessment to help team members understand themselves and others, improving collaboration and empathy. Please note: An additional per-person fee applies for the administration and interpretation of the Birkman Method® assessment.

8. Energy, Motivation and Well-Being

Sustainable performance requires balance. We explore how motivation, workload, and well-being intersect to keep teams energized and resilient.

9. Adaptability and Resilience

By building resilience and identifying methods for adaptability, we support mental wellbeing in your employees. These factors contribute to a well-balanced workforce that can effectively pivot during challenging times.

10. Continuous feedback and growth mindset

Learning how to give and receive feedback is the foundation for success, no matter what you’re tackling in life. In teams, working on these strengths helps folks understand how to communicate and grow together.

How to build a great team

A great team begins by having a firm foundation. Many managers and businesses feel that their people are fantastic, but they have yet to reach their potential. A coach can help you define how your team can grow together and work most effectively through collaboration. 

At ReWorkMe, we design and facilitate customized, on-site workshops and team development programs that strengthen collaboration, communication, and performance. Each experience is tailored to your organization’s goals and built around ten key elements of a high-performing team.

Frequently asked questions

What causes teams to lose performance over time?

Unclear goals, lack of trust, poor communication, and burnout from misaligned workloads or priorities can all contribute to sliding performance. Addressing these common factors can help protect your high-performing team or improve outcomes for a team.

Can remote or hybrid teams be high performing?

Yes — when they invest in connection, clarity, consistent communication, and results-based accountability, remote teams can even be more efficient and engaged than in-person teams.

What is the fee for a team development session?

At ReWorkMe, we offer a variety of options for addressing your team development needs.

• Quarter-Day (1.5 hours): Ideal for focused sessions that target one or two key aspects of team performance—such as communication, trust, or clarity of purpose. Fees for this level are $450 for nonprofit/501(c)3 organizations and $650 for for-profit companies.

• Half-Day (3 hours): Designed for deeper exploration and skill-building around collaboration, accountability, and effective leadership behaviors. Fees for this level are $750 for nonprofit/501(c)3 organizations and $1,100 for for-profit companies.

• Full-Day (6 hours): A comprehensive team development experience that integrates assessment, facilitation, and actionable planning for measurable improvement. Fees for this level are $1,250 for nonprofit/501(c)3 organizations and $1,800 for for-profit companies.

Multi-session or ongoing partnerships are available at a discounted rate through a quarterly or annual agreement. Schedule your free consultation today to find out more.