High performance leadership teams tend to make all the difference when it comes to influencing the success of a business or an organization. They are teams that inspire, deliver results within the stipulated timeline, and adjust quickly to changes at the workplace. Although a lot of people understand the basics of working with such teams, it’s only a few who are able to maintain high performance over time. But what actually separates these exceptional teams from the rest? According to recent research insights from the Harvard Business Review, what makes these teams standout lies in three essential habits that work together to create a long-lasting influence at the workplace. Here’s a closer look at the effective practices top leadership teams live by.
1. Set the pace for a purpose-driven culture
Top leadership teams don’t just lead for the sake of leadership, they also set a clear and compelling pace that unites their people around a shared purpose. This is all about actively showing what the organization stands for and why it matters. Performance at the workplace naturally improves when each team member is aware of the impact of their work. Studies also reveal that companies with high performing leadership teams tend to experience higher revenues and profitability, as a result of their clear alignment of purpose across the board. Establishing this kind of cultural pace is a continuous process that ensures the purpose of a company remains alive and embedded in day-to-day activities.
2. Play the long game while delivering now
High-performing teams excel at balancing short-term wins with long-term goals. They know that focusing solely on one or the other can lead to quick burnout or missed opportunities. These leaders prioritize both—delivering results today while investing strategically for tomorrow. And in fact, research highlights that only 20% of executive teams are considered high-performing, partly due to this critical balancing act. By emphasizing consistent growth while pushing for immediate results, top leaders create a rhythm that sustains the company’s forward momentum without compromise. It’s this blend of vision and pragmatism that makes them truly effective. 
3. Foster unbreakable trust and accountability
Trust is the backbone of every high-performing leadership team. Without it, all the strategies and goals in the world won’t make a difference. But trust alone isn’t enough—accountability is equally vital. Elite leadership teams hold each other to high standards, encouraging honest feedback and continuous improvement. They don’t settle for “good enough” or brush things under the rug. Instead, they create a culture where everyone is invested in each other’s success. One study of executive teams showed a strong link between high trust and better performance metrics like shareholder returns. This combination of trust and accountability enables teams to not only perform well but to keep improving with each challenge.
Last but not least — Adapt quickly, act decisively
Adaptability isn’t just a buzzword for top leadership teams—it’s a way of life. These teams know that business doesn’t wait, and neither can they. Whether responding to new market demands or internal shifts, the best leadership teams make quick, thoughtful decisions that keep the organization agile. They avoid lengthy debates, focusing instead on decisive action with purpose. Studies show a direct connection between adaptability and executive performance, especially when these teams align their decisions with the company’s larger goals. This ability to pivot quickly without losing sight of their purpose is a core trait that separates good teams from great ones.
High-performing leadership teams aren’t made overnight, nor are they simply lucky. They develop over time, refining these habits through persistence, self-reflection, and an unwavering commitment to their people and goals.
