How to Create a High-Functioning Team — Turning Dysfunction into Strength

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” — Michael Jordan

Every leader wants a high-performing team — one that collaborates seamlessly, executes reliably, and drives results.

But in practice, many teams fall short. Meetings are unproductive. Trust is shaky. Accountability slips.

And leaders start wondering:

“Why isn’t my team performing to its potential?”

The answer often lies in a set of common dysfunctions — predictable, fixable patterns that quietly undermine collaboration and performance.

Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team offers a powerful roadmap for identifying and overcoming these barriers.

Let’s explore how to turn dysfunction into strength.

1. Build Trust — The Foundation of Every Great Team

Trust is the oxygen of teamwork. Without it, everything else suffocates.

When team members don’t trust each other, they hold back ideas, avoid vulnerability, and hide mistakes. The result? Silos, hesitation, and disengagement. 

How to Build Trust:

• Be transparent. Share business goals, results, and decisions openly so people understand the bigger picture.
• Encourage openness. Regular one-on-ones and check-ins create safe spaces for honesty.
• Recognise effort. Celebrate wins publicly. Appreciation builds psychological safety.
• Invest in growth. Training, mentoring, and feedback signal that the company is committed to its people.

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” — Phil Jackson

When leaders model vulnerability and honesty, trust cascades through the organisation.

2. Embrace Healthy Conflict — The Engine of Innovation

Many leaders avoid conflict because it feels uncomfortable — but avoiding it kills innovation.

Constructive conflict isn’t personal; it’s productive. It pushes teams to challenge assumptions, refine ideas, and make better decisions.

How to Encourage Healthy Conflict:

• Model it from the top. Leaders who welcome feedback create psychological safety for others to speak up.
• Value diversity. Different backgrounds and perspectives fuel stronger solutions.
• Train for it. Teach your team to debate ideas respectfully, not attack people.
• Celebrate disagreements. Frame them as progress, not problems.

“I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.” — Abraham Lincoln

The healthiest teams argue well — and then move forward together.

3. Foster Commitment — Clarity Creates Buy-In

A team can’t commit to what it doesn’t understand.

Lack of clarity around goals, priorities, or purpose leads to half-hearted execution and confusion.

How to Build Commitment:

• Clarify the vision. Everyone should be able to describe your company’s direction in one or two sentences.
• Connect the dots. Show how each role contributes to success.
• Create ownership. When people help shape decisions, they’re more committed to delivering results.
• Build community. Recognition, belonging, and shared wins deepen engagement.

“Cooperation is the conviction that nobody can get there unless everybody gets there.” — Virginia Burden

Commitment thrives in clarity.

4. Demand Accountability — Ownership Builds Trust

Accountability doesn’t mean punishment; it means ownership.

In high-functioning teams, accountability flows sideways — team members hold each other responsible, not just their leader.

How to Build Accountability:

• Set clear expectations. Define roles, deliverables, and success metrics.
• Give regular feedback. Praise wins and address gaps quickly.
• Measure progress. Review goals weekly or monthly to maintain visibility.
• Balance recognition with consequence. Reward performance, but act decisively when standards slip.

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” — Henry Ford

When accountability is embedded in culture, teams perform because they care — not because they’re being watched.

5. Focus on Results — The Ultimate Measure of Team Health

In the end, teams exist to deliver outcomes

When individuals focus only on personal goals or departmental wins, collective success suffers.

How to Keep Teams Results-Focused:

• Set clear, shared goals. Define what success looks like for the team, not just individuals.
• Track progress visibly. Use dashboards, scorecards, or KPIs to make progress transparent.
• Provide resources and remove blockers. Equip your team to succeed.
• Celebrate achievement. Recognition fuels momentum.

“The ratio of we’s to I’s is the best indicator of the development of a team.” — Lewis B. Ergen

A true team wins together — and learns together.

Final Thought — Culture Is the Real Competitive Advantage

Creating a high-functioning team isn’t about avoiding dysfunction; it’s about mastering it.

When leaders build trust, invite healthy conflict, inspire commitment, expect accountability, and focus relentlessly on results, they unlock the true power of collaboration.

That’s when your team stops working for the business — and starts working as the business.

Want help building a high-performing leadership team?

Contact me at tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au to schedule a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

TED BONEL, SCALING UP PRACTITIONER – STRATEGY & EXECUTION BUSINESS ADVISORS

Are you looking to scale your business and execute strategy with clarity and impact? I help CEOs and founders turn big ideas into real-world results, guiding small to mid-market companies through tailored strategic insights that drive growth.

My expertise lies in simplifying complexity – bridging high-level strategic frameworks with the practical realities of running a business. Unlike many consultants who focus solely on theory or execution, I specialise in both—translating strategy into actionable, transformative steps that deliver lasting results.

Want help building a high-performing leadership team?

Contact me at tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au to schedule a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

ABOUT STRATEGY & EXECUTION

For over 20 years, Strategy & Execution has supported leaders and organisations in developing and executing winning strategies. We provide expert facilitation, executive education, and hands-on consulting to help businesses refine their strategic direction and implement it effectively.

Using proven methodologies like Scaling Up, E-Myth Mastery, Outthinker, and more, we challenge conventional thinking and equip organisations with the tools to accelerate growth. Our approach is dynamic—combining deep business experience with practical execution. We don’t just advise; we roll up our sleeves and work alongside you to make strategy happen.

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