Teamwork at the Top

Teamwork at the Top

Imagine a small boat with a crew rowing out into open water. If everyone rows in sync, the boat glides forward with purpose. But if the rowers are out of step, it lurches and stalls. Leadership teamwork works similarly: when the team is aligned, the business moves forward smoothly. For small businesses, where every person’s role is crucial, an aligned leadership team is often the key to sustained growth.

This recent Harvard Business Review article, lays out the traits of effective leadership teams and steps to build and sustain leadership teamwork. This is equally as relevant for the leadership teams of small businesses as for larger organisations.

Five Essential Traits of Effective Leadership

1. Clear Direction: Effective teams have a shared direction that aligns everyone with the same goals. Regularly reviewing both long-term and immediate priorities helps ensure that every leader understands and supports the overarching vision. Clear direction creates focus and prevents resource wastage.
   
   
2. Discipline in Routines and Roles: Disciplined teams have defined roles and structured routines that prevent confusion and foster collaboration. A simple “mini-meeting” routine can help keep everyone focused and accountable.
   
   
3. Drive and Perseverance: Drive means not only hard work but resilience in the face of challenges. Teams that embrace constructive debate and diligent follow-up are more prepared for setbacks. Leaders can inspire this in small business teams by modelling perseverance and encouraging a problem-solving mindset.
   
   
4. Dynamism and Adaptability: Agility is critical in today’s fast-moving business environment. Dynamic teams treat change as an opportunity to innovate and improve. Fostering a culture of openness to new ideas and adapting quickly to feedback can provide a competitive edge.
   
   
5. Collaboration and Trust: True collaboration is based on trust and support. Encouraging regular feedback and open communication builds the trust needed to collaborate effectively and solve problems together.

Four Steps to Build and Sustain Leadership Teamwork

1. Make a Commitment to Teamwork: Effective teamwork requires commitment. Scheduling time for team alignment, whether in monthly or quarterly sessions, allows leaders to stay focused on collective goals and support one another.
   
   
2. Encourage Reflection and Feedback: Regular feedback helps teams improve. An informal feedback session or team survey can surface insights on how well the team is functioning and where improvements are needed. Small business leaders should encourage honest and constructive feedback to create a culture of openness.
   
   
3. Map Out Clear Roles and Goals: Clear roles and goals help teams work together effectively. Defining roles that align with the company’s goals will strengthen focus and accountability. Setting these roles and goals together helps leaders see how they contribute to the broader strategy.
   
   
4. Keep Momentum Going: Sustaining effective teamwork is a continual process. Regular reviews to check progress and celebrate milestones help maintain motivation and remind the team of the value of working together.

Reflection Questions for Leaders

Reflecting on your team’s dynamics can reveal new paths to improvement. Consider these questions with your team:

• Is our leadership team working at full potential? Are you using each leader’s strengths to their fullest?
• What could we achieve if we worked at full potential? Imagine the impact if everyone was fully aligned and engaged.
• What is holding us back? Identify obstacles—such as unclear roles or limited communication—and ways to address them.
• Do we create an environment for open feedback? A high-performing team relies on trust. Are you fostering a safe space for honest discussions?

Aligned, resilient leadership teams are like a well-synchronised crew—they drive a business forward with power and purpose. By building traits like direction, discipline, drive, dynamism, and collaboration, small business leaders can lead their teams towards shared goals and long-term success.