5 traits of highly successful teams

Not all teams are created equal. Choosing team members because they tick all the right boxes in terms of skillset, experience and expertise is only half of the challenge. The other half is choosing team members who have the right mindset, work ethic and personal traits to work effectively with their peers and contribute towards a positive working culture. Although every small business has different needs in terms of what these factors are, there are a few common traits that define highly successful teams, regardless of the type or size of the business.

These are five of the main ones to consider:

Open and clear communication

Teams that work well together keep communication channels open and are clear about their needs and intentions. While this may seem like a rather obvious characteristic in theory, in practice it can be tricky to perfect. An important factor in getting it right is creating an environment in which people are not afraid to ask questions, share their ideas and opinions, solve problems in a collaborative way and keep everyone informed and engaged.

According to a study by MIT’s Human Dynamics Laboratory, successful teams communicate frequently, both formally and informally. The study involved tracking team members’ tone of voice and body language using wearable electronic sensors. The findings revealed that consistent communication patterns are linked to team productivity, regardless of the work type. Effective communication patterns were also found to be the most crucial factor – surpassing skill, intelligence, and all other team-building factors combined.

Ongoing learning as a winning factor

Successful teams are committed to continuous learning and improvement. Team members should regularly seek feedback, reflect on their performance, and identify areas for growth. By focusing on continuously improving and iterating according to what the business needs, teams can grow together. In fact, teams that don’t learn and grow together, are more likely to grow apart as the business evolves. Fostering a culture that is conducive to developing people – both personally and professionally, is therefore a vital part of setting a business up for long-term success.

Those who adapt, survive.

In a rapidly changing business landscape, adaptability is crucial. Successful teams are flexible and can pivot quickly in response to new challenges or opportunities. Small businesses operating in this hyper-connected and often unstable economic and social climate need to be agile in responsible to emerging risks. The pandemic shed light on the importance of adaptability and in South Africa, doing business in an economic downturn has emphasises this point even more.

According to the Harvard Business Review, ‘adaptability is the new competitive advantage.’ This is particularly true of doing business in the digital age, where change is quite literally the only constant. The paper asserted that successful teams swiftly recognise and respond to signals of change. They focus on mastering the art of rapid, frequent, and cost-effective experimentation, not just with products and services, but also with their business models, processes, and strategies.

The importance of good leadership

Team leaders also play a vital role in helping a business achieve its goals and ensuring that each individual team member has the right resources to perform at their best. Leaders need to be able to guide the team and make critical decisions – to be able to think on their feet during times of volatility. With clear, sound leadership, team members can gain the fulfilment they need to enjoy job satisfaction and develop the resilience needed to overcome the many challenges that face a small business.

Diverse teams are stronger

In the past, teams that consisted of people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, political or social persuasions and upbringings were viewed in a negative light. Too much focus was placed on ‘finding the right fit’ – someone who shares similar leanings to their colleagues. This was believed to be an integral part of building a team of people who were always in agreement and who brought similar perspectives to the table.

Now, through various studies and a growing body of research, we know that the exact opposite is true. Diversity is not a weakness but a strength. Bringing people together who are different in the way that they think, act and share, is not only an ethical imperative, but a business one. Research by McKinsey & Company shows that diverse teams are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians. This is primarily because diversity fosters creativity and innovation, enabling the team to tackle challenges from different angles.