High-performing teams: A timeless leadership topic.
By Keller, S., & Meaney, M.
Keller, S., & Meaney, M. (2017, June 28). High-performing teams: A timeless leadership topic. McKinsey Quarterly. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/high-performing-teams-a-timeless-leadership-topic
In this article for the McKinsey Quarterly, Keller and Meaney examine the characteristics that define high-performing teams (HPTs) in a modern business context. Drawing on extensive organizational research, the authors move beyond technical skills to highlight the importance of "soft" factors like shared vision, mutual accountability, and psychological safety. They provide a practical framework for leaders to diagnose team weaknesses and implement strategies for improvement. The article is both evaluative and prescriptive, offering insights into why even the most talented individuals often fail to coalesce into a high-functioning unit. Its focus on organizational health and renewal provides a valuable contrast to the more rigid, tactical frameworks found in military-centric literature. This source is an excellent bridge for applying high-stakes team performance principles to corporate leadership and strategic management, emphasizing the role of culture and alignment in achieving sustainable results.