Creating a high-performing leadership team while maintaining a strong company culture is a challenge for many business owners and executives. Balancing the drive for results with fostering an environment where employees feel valued is essential for sustainable success. Companies with a strong corporate culture see a 4x increase in revenue growth compared to companies with a weak culture (Harvard Business Review).
Here are 10 signs you’re on the right path to building a high-performing leadership team—and how you can improve further.
1. Your Core Values Are Alive and Active
Every thriving company culture starts with clear, actionable core values. When your leadership team consistently embodies these values in their decisions and interactions, your culture comes to life.
- How to Achieve This:
- Identify Core Values: Collaborate with your team to define beliefs that align with your mission and vision.
- Document and Share: Make your values visible in onboarding materials, team meetings, and internal communications.
- Model the Values: Leadership must live the values daily to set an example for the organization.
This foundation ensures your leadership team becomes the heartbeat of your company culture.
2. Your Hiring Prioritizes Both Skills and Fit
Skills matter, but aligning candidates with your company’s culture is just as critical when building high-performing leadership teams. A leader who embodies your values will positively influence their team and the organization.
- Key Strategies:
- Develop a Culture Fit Scorecard to evaluate candidates on alignment with your values.
- Include diverse team members in interviews to gauge fit from different perspectives.
- Use behavioral questions to understand how candidates approach real-world challenges.
Hiring for cultural alignment strengthens team dynamics and ensures leadership fits seamlessly into your company’s ecosystem.
3. Open Communication Is the Norm
Effective communication builds trust and strengthens culture. Leaders should foster an environment where employees feel safe sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback.
- What Works:
- Hold regular one-on-one check-ins to encourage honest dialogue.
- Use anonymous surveys or suggestion boxes to gather unfiltered insights.
- Be transparent about company updates and decisions to reinforce trust and alignment.
When communication flows freely, your leadership team and employees will align more effectively on goals and values.
4. Relationship-building is a Priority
High-performing leadership teams don’t just manage tasks—they build relationships. A culture of trust and collaboration starts with leaders who prioritize connecting with their teams.
- Best Practices:
- Schedule regular one-on-ones focused on understanding team members’ challenges and aspirations.
- Offer mentorship opportunities to help employees grow personally and professionally.
- Foster trust through active listening, empathy, and consistent follow-through.
Strong relationships between leaders and their teams lay the groundwork for a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.
5. A High-performing Leadership Team Feels Empowered
Empowered leaders are confident decision-makers who inspire their teams to succeed. Giving your leadership team the tools and autonomy they need creates an environment of trust and accountability.
- Signs of Empowerment:
- Leaders have access to ongoing training and development programs tailored to their company’s goals.
- Decision-making authority is clearly defined, reducing bottlenecks.
- Successes are recognized and celebrated to reinforce positive behaviors.
Empowered leaders are a cornerstone of high-performing leadership teams. They set the tone for innovation and ownership throughout the organization.
6. Expectations Are Clear and Consistent
Ambiguity in roles and goals creates confusion and weakens performance. High-performing leadership teams thrive when everyone knows what’s expected and how their efforts contribute to company success.
- Steps to Take:
- Write clear role descriptions that outline responsibilities and performance metrics.
- Align team goals with the company’s larger vision and values.
- Conduct regular progress reviews to ensure alignment and adjust as needed.
Clear expectations build accountability and keep everyone focused on shared objectives.
7. Collaboration Happens Naturally
Effective collaboration breaks down silos and encourages teamwork across departments. Leaders who foster collaboration create stronger connections within their teams and across the organization.
- How to Foster Collaboration:
- Initiate cross-departmental projects that require leaders to work together on shared goals.
- Organize team-building activities to strengthen relationships and improve communication.
- Use collaboration tools like Slack or Asana to facilitate teamwork, especially for remote or hybrid teams.
Collaboration fuels innovation and drives stronger outcomes, making it a hallmark of high-performing leadership teams.
8. You’re Measuring Culture and Acting on Insights
Strong cultures aren’t built on assumptions—they’re built on measurable data. High-performing leadership teams actively monitor culture and adapt to feedback.
- How to Measure Culture:
- Conduct regular employee engagement surveys to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Track turnover rates and exit interview data to uncover potential cultural misalignments.
- Act on feedback by adjusting policies or practices to align with employee needs.
Measuring culture ensures it remains vibrant and responsive as your company evolves.
9. Leaders Lead by Example
The best leadership teams model the behavior they want to see across the organization. Actions speak louder than words, and leaders who embody company values set the tone for the entire team.
- Key Actions:
- Demonstrate accountability by owning mistakes and showing how to learn from them.
- Practice empathy to create a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Be a lifelong learner, modeling growth and encouraging others to do the same.
When leaders set a positive example, it strengthens the culture and inspires the workforce.
10. Celebrations Build a Sense of Community
Recognizing achievements—big and small—reinforces your culture and boosts morale. Celebrations remind employees that their hard work is valued and appreciated.
- How to Celebrate:
- Host regular recognition events to highlight accomplishments publicly.
- Incorporate informal celebrations, such as team lunches or surprise rewards, into your routine.
- Share contributions in company-wide communications to spotlight individual and team successes.
Celebrating wins builds camaraderie and reinforces the values that drive your company forward.
A High-Performing Leadership Team Drives Culture and Success
Building a high-performing leadership team is essential for maintaining a strong and adaptive company culture. By focusing on these 10 signs, you can create a leadership team that not only delivers results but also inspires trust, collaboration, and growth.
Take stock of your leadership team today: Are they fueling the culture you want to build? If not, start with one of these steps to begin the transformation. A thriving culture and effective leadership go hand in hand, driving long-term success.
