#289: What makes a high-performing team? A look at some recent research

What happens when poor behaviour or performance goes unchecked at work? In this episode, I cover the risks of working in a consequence-free environment, where team members face no real impact for their actions. I share why “trying everything” often fails without accountability, and why feedback, formal warnings, or performance improvement plans can all be necessary tools. Consequences aren’t about punishment – they’re about giving people a reason to change, and creating fairness for the whole team. Resources mentioned in this episode: Team Accountability Builder Course Article: 6 Steps to Deal With Behaviour Issues in Your Team Leadership Coaching with Ben    

A client once asked me a great question: “If my values are already part of who I am, why do I need to understand them better?” In this episode, I unpack the answer. Your values are always shaping your leadership, but when you understand them clearly, you can see what situations will help you thrive, and which will leave you drained or frustrated. With this awareness, you can prepare for challenges, choose the right environments, and stay true to what matters most. Resources mentioned in this episode: Lead With Confidence by Understanding and Using Your Values (Online Course) Leadership Coaching with Ben      

Leadership credibility isn’t built overnight, and there are no tricks that you can use to be respected in meetings or other forums at work. In this episode, I talk about the real groundwork which often happens before you need people to listen to you. That’s all about building trust and credibility with your key stakeholders. I share how to identify who your most important stakeholders are, how to map their influence and interest, and how to grow strong relationships over time. This groundwork makes it easier to be heard and respected, no matter your leadership style. Resources mentioned in this episode: Stakeholder Management Tips for the Everyday Leader (Article) Episode: Why Leaders Must Set Boundaries at Work Leadership Coaching with Ben

If you’ve ever been told you’re “too nice” to lead, this episode is for you. Being a people-pleaser doesn’t disqualify you from being an effective leader. It just means you need to develop a few key skills to protect your energy and set clear expectations. In this episode, I talk about: Why people-pleasing can feel like the easier option How it undermines your leadership (and what to do about it) Small steps to lead more assertively without losing your empathy. Leadership isn’t about being harsh or cold, it’s about leading with care and clarity. Resources: 1:1 Coaching: Work with me The Useful Thinking Journal

Mindfulness can feel like a buzzword, but it’s also a powerful tool for thoughtful leadership. In this episode, I explore how mindfulness helps leaders become more self-aware, less reactive, and better equipped to respond under pressure. I also share my story of mindfulness, including how and why I started using it and the benefits that came when I did. You’ll learn: What mindfulness really means in a leadership context Simple ways to bring more awareness into your day How mindfulness supports better decision-making You don’t need to meditate for hours to see the benefits, just a small shift in awareness can make a big difference. Resources: 1:1 Coaching: Work with me Waking Up App by Sam Harris Headspace Guided meditations on Spotify – Search "guided meditation" The Useful Thinking Journal

Trust is the foundation of a strong team, but how do you actually build it? In this episode, I share simple, practical actions you can take as a leader to start strengthening trust, especially if you're leading a team that’s been through some change or challenge. I also introduce a handy "trust equation" to help you think about ways to build trust. You’ll hear: What trust really looks like at work (and how it shows up) Small behaviours that create safety and connection How to build trust when you’re new to a team Trust doesn't grow overnight, but with the right approach, it can build steadily. Resources: 1:1 Coaching: Work with me PRINT® Assessment – understand your team’s hidden drivers The Trust Equation – Trusted Advisor

What really makes a team high-performing? In this episode, I take a look at recent research, including findings from McKinsey and Google’s Project Aristotle - to unpack what separates great teams from average ones. You'll learn: The 5 key factors that define high-performing teams How psychological safety influences performance What you can do as a leader to create the right conditions You don’t need everything to be perfect to lead a strong team. You just need to focus on the right things. Resources: 1:1 Coaching: Work with me McKinsey article on high-performing teams – Article link. Google’s Project Aristotle – https://rework.withgoogle.com/en/guides/understanding-team-effectiveness Tuckman’s team development model: The 5 Stages of Team Development.

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about helping your team find them. In this episode, I talk about why shifting towards a coaching approach - asking more and telling less - can improve your leadership. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. You’ll discover: What a coaching approach looks like in everyday leadership The benefits for your team: ownership, confidence, and better ideas; and The common fears leaders have about this approach (and how to overcome them). If you want your team to think for themselves, be more proactive, and feel invested, give this episode a try. Resources: Explore 1:1 leadership coaching: Leadership Coaching Page Blog: How Letting Go Will Help You Take Control Podcast: Simple Tips to Help You Coach Your People.

Many thoughtful leaders are introverted, and that’s not a weakness. It’s a strength. In this episode, I share my top five pieces of advice for introverted leaders. You don’t need to act like an extrovert to lead effectively. You just need to play to your strengths and manage your energy well. You’ll hear: How to protect your downtime so you don’t burn out Why being quieter doesn’t mean you can’t have presence; and Practical ways to feel more comfortable leading as your true self If you’ve ever felt like you need to be louder, more extroverted, or “different” to succeed in leadership, this episode will help you lead in a way that feels right for you. Resources: Ready to feel more comfortable and confident as a leader? Book a Coaching Conversation Blog: Why Leaders Must Set Boundaries at Work.

Ever reacted emotionally and regretted it? You’re not the only one! In this episode, I talk about the powerful concept of “the gap” – the space between your emotions and the response you choose to take. It’s a concept that helps you lead more calmly and effectively, even under pressure. You’ll learn: How Viktor Frankl’s experience inspired this simple but powerful leadership skill Practical ways to pause and choose your response in the moment; and How to avoid reacting emotionally in challenging work situations. If you’ve ever lost your cool or wish you handled a situation differently, this episode will give you tools to lead with more control and confidence. Resources: 1:1 coaching to build your confidence: Leadership Coaching Page Podcast episode: Simple Tips to Help You Coach Your People Tool: The Useful Thinking Journal – Reflect and build your self-awareness as a leader Book: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. Waking Up App: A mindfulness and meditation resource by Sam Harris – Waking Up Website. Headspace app: Meditation resource - website.