High Performance Teams

In theory, teamwork is simple. In reality, creating and sustaining a high performing team can be one of the most challenging practices for even the most experienced leader.  At MDA Leadership Consulting, we work directly with CEOs, enterprise and function leaders who are determined to make their organizations more effective through the power of teamwork.

Team building with senior leadership teams is especially important because of the tone the group sets for the entire organization. Team leadership, both individually and collectively does matter.  MDA has unique and dual expertise in developing leaders and in building effective teams.

Our approach to teambuilding is varied based on the needs of our clients.  We’ve been involved in helping new teams form and set a solid foundation from which to build.  We’ve helped underperforming teams identify the reasons for their faltering performance and gain insights into what needs to change to get back on track.  We’ve worked with teams to build trust, address conflict and establish accountability measures.  We’ve worked individually with members of teams to address development issues that are getting in the way of effective team performance.

Often, our approach involves interviewing people, collecting data about how the team is functioning and how the team views itself, and provide candid feedback to team members.  Much of our teambuilding work uses our Action Learning model.  We know that the greatest impact occurs when organizational, team, and individual learning come together or run on parallel fronts. That is why we bring business issues and realities into the sessions, learn in teams, and craft individual development plans.

We have numerous tools that we can draw on as they seem relevant for the work we do.  These tools include use of individual assessment data, self-report inventories (such as Thomas Kilman Conflict Inventory, Myers Briggs Type Indicator, Hogan Development Survey, Hogan Motives and Values Inventory) and broader survey approaches including 360 inventories or team effectiveness surveys like the Campbell Team Inventory.  Some organizations choose to expand their work with us by having all leaders participate in a developmental evaluation. That allows us to give in-depth feedback to individuals and to compile a team profile that can help in designing your work or in determining what gaps you need to fill when you hire the next senior person. 

For more information about MDA’s High Performance Team services, contact Peter Germann, Joe Volker, Bob Barnett, or Nancy Weidenfeller.