Ever wondered what truly propels companies to the top? Contrary to popular belief, it’s seldom the lone genius of a “hero CEO” but rather the synergistic power of a top-performing executive team.
Here are the five core behaviours that these successful teams exhibit. A recent analysis of 1,250 firms has pinpointed the collective behaviour of leadership teams as a critical driver for outstripping competitors in revenue, profitability, and shareholder returns:
- Unified directionExceptional teams don’t just agree on strategy; they ensure every decision supports this strategic direction. For example, executive teams at high-performing companies share a commitment to their vision, continuously aligning their departmental goals with the company’s overarching objectives.
- Rigorous disciplineTop teams excel in turning their meetings into engines of efficiency and their decisions into consistent actions. They adopt structured meeting rhythms and decision frameworks that avoid ambiguity and accelerate execution.
- Intentional collaborationBeyond mere cooperation, these teams foster a robust culture of mutual accountability and trust, which transforms their collaborative efforts into tangible outcomes. They embrace a “win-together, lose-together” mentality, crucial for navigating complex challenges and driving collective success.
- Proactive dynamismLeading teams anticipate change and adapt swiftly, maintaining a dynamic approach to both opportunities and obstacles. They invest in innovation and are prepared to pivot strategies as needed, ensuring they are always ahead of the curve.
- Sustained driveThe best teams maintain high levels of energy and focus, even under stress. During the pandemic, for instance, resilient teams were those that kept pushing boundaries, adapted quickly, and continued to drive their organisations forward.
The disparity between potential and performance is stark: 65% of executives feel their teams are underperforming.
The lesson? There’s immense untapped potential in enhancing team dynamics.