A Fresh Perspective on Building High-Performing Teams

As the modern workplace evolves, maximising performance, productivity, and commercial outcomes begins with getting the most out of your team.

As the modern workplace evolves, success increasingly depends on the ability to get the best out of your team. High performance isn’t just about hiring the right people; it’s about creating an environment where individuals are empowered, engaged, and equipped to succeed — ultimately driving the commercial outcomes you want.  This involves creating a culture that prioritizes feedback and enables teams to feel comfortable innovating, raising risks, and handling challenges effectively. This is where the concept of psychological safety comes in.

Why psychological safety in the workplace matters

Research consistently shows that psychological safety is a big factor for employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention. Psychological safety refers to the belief that individuals will not be penalized or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes. It’s a crucial element in creating a culture where employees feel comfortable taking risks, voicing their opinions, and contributing to the organisation’s growth.

When employees feel psychologically safe, they are more likely to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from mistakes — all of which contribute to high performance and job satisfaction. In contrast, a lack of psychological safety can lead to decreased trust, lower morale, and, as the statistics suggest, higher turnover. Employees who do not feel safe at work are less likely to engage with their team or take on challenges, leading to stagnant innovation and reduced retention.

According to the Umbrella Wellbeing Report 2024, employees in teams with lower psychological safety are 8x more likely to report bullying and nearly 6x more likely to consider leaving their jobs. These stats underscore the powerful link between a mentally safe environment and retention, highlighting why businesses must prioritize psychological safety to build high-performing teams.

Key Principles for Building High-Performing Teams

As businesses focus on improving retention strategies, creating an environment where employees feel safe, valued, and understood is crucial for long-term success. But what does this look like in practice, and how can leaders foster psychological safety while driving productivity and innovation?

Here is a high-level overview of some key strategies we are going to cover in our upcoming workshop.

Create a Feedback-Rich Culture

• Teams that thrive provide constant, constructive feedback. It drives engagement, performance, and a sense of belonging, ensuring that team members know where they stand and how they can improve.
  

Embrace Diverse Thinking Styles

• Innovation flourishes when teams leverage diverse perspectives. By recognising and valuing different ways of thinking, you can unlock creative solutions to complex challenges.

Foster a Safe Environment for Innovation

• High-performing teams are comfortable with change and risk. When leaders encourage an environment that welcomes new ideas and challenges, teams are more adaptable and innovative.

Equip Teams with Practical Tools

• Give your team the resources and frameworks they need to perform at their best. Practical tools enhance collaboration, streamline decision-making, and improve overall team dynamics.

Build an Inclusive, Supportive Culture

• True inclusion goes beyond diversity — it’s about ensuring every team member feels valued. A culture of inclusion drives higher engagement and, ultimately, better performance.

Creating a high-performing team has far-reaching effects. Teams that feel valued and supported are more likely to stay, perform well, and contribute to the company’s growth. The business benefits are clear: increased productivity, higher employee retention, and a stronger bottom line.

Unlock Your Team's Potential with Business Canterbury

Invest in Your Team’s Success

Investing in your team’s development is an investment in your business’s future. Leaders who focus on building a psychologically safe, inclusive, and high-performing team set the stage for sustained success.

If you’re looking to elevate your team’s performance, join our workshop, 'A fresh perspective on building high-performing teams' led by Suran Dickson, an expert in leadership and workplace culture.