Achieving High Performance in Teams

Sep 23, 2024

APM Branch Webinar Notes

Introduction

  • Speaker: Ellie Breakwell, APM Branches Coordinator
  • Today’s Webinar: The Who and the How of Achieving High Performance Teamwork
  • Guest Speaker: Nick Fewings
  • Interactive elements via menti.com (Code: 19183688)

Speaker Background - Nick Fewings

  • Teamologist: Studies the dynamics of teamwork for 20 years.
  • Behavioral Psychologist: Accredited over 25 years ago, experience with well-known brands globally.
  • Conference Speaker: Over 500 conferences worldwide.
  • Authored Book: "Team Lead Succeed" (Published March 2022, Amazon bestseller).

Webinar Focus

Key Points to be Discussed:

  1. Exploring KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and teamwork
  2. Importance of knowing who is in your team
  3. Understanding the value of knowing how effective your teamwork is
  4. Practical learning and ideas for immediate application in teams

Engagement Questions

Question 1: What percentage of teams achieve high performance?

  • Responses:
    • Majority guessed 30%.
  • Actual findings: Only 10% of teams are high-performing, 50% are average, and 40% are dysfunctional.

Question 2: What KPIs do you measure in your teams?

  • Common KPIs mentioned:
    • Productivity, deliverables, milestones, project profitability, speed of delivery, customer satisfaction, quality, cost, and time.

The Importance of Team Composition

Skills in Teams:

  • Two types of skills each member brings:
    1. Technical Skills: Project management, software proficiency, relevant qualifications.
    2. People Skills: Communication, empathy, decision-making, leadership.

Question 3: Percentage of success from people skills?

  • Majority guessed 85%.
  • Study by Carnegie Institute of Technology: 85% success is attributed to people skills.

Measuring Team Effectiveness

Team Effectiveness Model:

  • Developed model to measure 16 areas of teamwork.
  • Key areas include:
    • Purpose of the team
    • Trust between individuals
    • Active and updated plans
    • Effective collaboration

Activity Suggestion:

  • Create a Technical and People Skills Matrix to share and understand team members' skills.

Key Takeaways

  1. Profiling should be considered for understanding behavioral strengths in teams.
  2. Ensure all team members know each other's technical skills.
  3. Measure team effectiveness regularly (every 6 months recommended).
  4. Define and communicate your team purpose clearly and motivationally.

Challenges in Teamwork

  • Challenges in remote teams include:
    • Building trust and effective communication.
  • Importance of discussing challenges in teams to develop solutions.

Final Thoughts

  • Importance of voice in teams: Speak up if you feel teamwork can improve.
  • Continuous development and understanding of team dynamics is crucial.

Q&A Highlights

  • Questions about high performance definition, team profiling frequency, and managing matrixed teams.
  • Challenges mentioned include trust issues, communication barriers, and differences in behavioral styles.

Conclusion

  • Encouraged attendees to continue learning and participating in future webinars and face-to-face events.