In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business environment, the strength of a company lies not just in its products or services but in the team driving those results. How do you build a team that not only works together but thrives together? It goes beyond job descriptions and competitive pay; it’s about creating a shared sense of purpose and fostering an environment where individuals are aligned with the organization’s mission and values. To cultivate a high-performing team, leaders must focus on three essential pillars: Talent, Leadership, and Team Culture.
1. Talent: Placing the Right Individuals in the Right Roles
The foundation of any high-performing team is talent—individuals who bring not just the necessary skills but the right attitude and motivation. Successful leaders actively seek those who align with the team’s mission and the broader goals of the organization. Ideal team members demonstrate not only excellent performance or potential but also a strong commitment to personal growth and a drive to see their peers succeed. They uphold the organization’s core values, care about the brand’s impact, and show a passion for contributing to its success.
Actionable Tip: During recruitment, go beyond the resume. Ask questions that reveal a candidate’s values, passion, and problem-solving approach. Regularly evaluate team members’ skills and career goals to ensure they are in roles that maximize their potential and engagement.
2. Leadership: Mobilizing the Team to Achieve Exceptional Results
While finding the right talent is crucial, it’s only the beginning. Effective leadership is about uniting team members under a common goal and guiding them to perform at their best. A great leader embraces the organization’s strategy and empowers their team to bring it to life. This requires understanding each team member’s motivations, preferred rewards, strengths, and areas for growth, and then coaching them to collectively drive value for the organization.
Actionable Tip: Invest time in regular one-on-one meetings with your team. Use these discussions to set clear expectations, provide feedback, and align individual aspirations with the team’s goals. Tailor your leadership style to address different team members’ needs and communication preferences to keep them engaged and motivated.
3. Team Culture: Fostering a Culture of Excellence
A high-performing team thrives on a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Transformational leaders inspire their teams to create healthy dynamics, share ideas openly, and stay committed to delivering an outstanding guest and stakeholder experience. This culture becomes a guiding force, sustaining the team through both favorable times and challenges.
Actionable Tip: Encourage team-building activities that align with your organization’s values. Create opportunities for team members to showcase their skills, celebrate wins together, and learn from challenges. A strong, inclusive culture will help the team stay connected and focused on shared goals.
The Ongoing Journey of Team Excellence
Throughout my professional journey, I’ve had the privilege of working with associates who started as Front Desk Agents but quickly displayed leadership potential. By creating individual development plans tailored to their growth, I watched these individuals transform into Front Desk Managers and, eventually, General Managers. It has been incredibly rewarding to play even a small role in their development as leaders. I also recall working with a shy houseperson—friendly and eager to learn—who eventually rose to the position of Executive Housekeeper, holding that role for over 18 years. Their stories underscore the power of nurturing talent and giving individuals the opportunity to flourish.
Building a high-performing team is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing journey. Exceptional leaders constantly assess, adapt, and refine their approach to keep their teams engaged, motivated, and capable of delivering outstanding results. By investing in the development and well-being of your team, you pave the way for better performance, stronger relationships, and a work environment where everyone thrives.
Take the first step today—re-evaluate your team dynamics, listen to your members’ feedback, and start making small changes that build toward a culture of excellence.
By Warren Coore, Vice President of Operations
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