When a team is underperforming, the default reaction is often to look at productivity tools, task lists, or performance targets to try and find the solutions. However, these are just the symptoms, not the root cause. 

In my coaching and training work with teams, I’ve found the true reason many teams struggle is far more human: unspoken tension, unmet needs, and unclear expectations beneath the surface. As you will have heard me say before, and I will no doubt say it again “the presenting problem, is never the actual problem” (one of many takeaways from my extensive training in NLP).

The Team Looks Fine on Paper…but Something’s Off 

You know the type of team I’m talking about. Everyone’s technically competent, there are regular meetings and nobody’s arguing (out loud, at least). Everything seems ok, and yet, progress is slow, innovation is low, and morale feels… flat. 

This is where the invisible dynamics come into play, things like: 

• Lack of psychological safety (people don’t feel safe to speak up). 
• Misunderstood communication styles. 
• Conflict avoidance eventually leads to resentment. 
• Decision-making bottlenecks due to unclear roles or fear of taking ownership

What Gets in the Way? 

Most of the time, teams fall into patterns without realising, because we: 

• Over-rely on the same voices in the room. 
• Assume “no news is good news.” 
• Confuse silence for agreement.
• Think someone else is already on the case. 

These behaviours don’t always show up in KPIs or dashboards, but they erode trust and collaboration over time. The result? Underperformance, and frustration for everyone involved. 

Building High-Performing Teams: The Power of Teamwork Values

Great teams don’t just happen, they’re built on shared values, trust, and a culture of collaboration. When teamwork values are embedded into an organisation’s DNA, performance improves, engagement soars, and results speak for themselves.

However, without these values, miscommunication, low morale, and inefficiency take over. That’s why defining and strengthening teamwork values is essential for any business looking to create high-functioning, motivated teams.

Before we get into what makes a great team, and how organisations can foster an environment where people thrive together, we need to acknowledge that a team is impacted by the wider organisational culture and management. So, when we are thinking about improving your teams, remember to include yourself in those numbers too.

Why Teamwork Values Matter

A team isn’t just a group of individuals working toward a goal, it’s a dynamic system where communication, collaboration, and accountability determine success.

When teams share strong values, they:

• Work more efficiently by reducing misunderstandings and conflict.
• Foster innovation through diverse perspectives and respectful collaboration.
• Boost morale and engagement, leading to higher retention and productivity.
• Handle challenges with resilience, adapting to change and problem-solving effectively.

Without core teamwork values, even the most talented teams can struggle with misalignment, frustration, and underperformance.

Checklist: Key Teamwork Values for High-Performing Teams

Communication: The Backbone of Collaboration

Open, honest, and clear communication is the foundation of any successful team. This includes active listening, transparent feedback, and keeping everyone informed to ensure alignment.

Does your team have a culture where people feel safe speaking up and sharing ideas?

Trust: The Glue That Holds Teams Together

Without trust, teamwork crumbles. Trust means believing in each other’s competence, reliability, and intentions, allowing teams to work efficiently without micromanagement or unnecessary friction.

Do team members feel confident in each other’s abilities and commitments?

Do team members feel free to make decisions appropriate to their level of accountability without consequences?

Respect: Valuing Each Other’s Strengths

Great teams embrace diversity, of thought, experience, and background. Respect means listening without judgment, recognising contributions, and valuing differences.

Does your team culture encourage mutual respect, even during disagreements?

Collaboration: Strength in Unity

The best teams understand that success isn’t about individual wins, it’s about achieving goals together. Collaboration means leveraging each other’s strengths, sharing responsibilities, and supporting one another.

Does your team actively seek out ways to work together, or do silos and competition hold people back?

Accountability: Owning Actions & Results

High-performing teams take ownership of their work, commitments, and deadlines. When accountability is a shared value, finger-pointing disappears, and problem-solving takes over.

Do team members take responsibility for their work, or is accountability a recurring issue?

Supportiveness: Creating a Culture of Encouragement

Great teams lift each other up. Supportiveness means offering help, celebrating wins, and standing together through challenges.

Does your team foster a culture where people genuinely support and encourage each other?

Diversity & Inclusion: Harnessing Different Perspectives

Innovation thrives when different perspectives come together. A strong team culture welcomes and values diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints.

Does your team actively create an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and valued?

Adaptability: Thriving in Change

The best teams don’t just survive change, they embrace it. Adaptability is about staying flexible, pivoting when necessary, and continuously learning from experiences.

Does your team approach change with a growth mindset, or does resistance slow progress?

Does your team have clarity from leadership about changes as well as the resources they need to embrace change with confidence?

Shared Purpose: Aligning with a Bigger Goal

Teams perform at their best when everyone is aligned with a common mission. A shared purpose creates motivation, direction, and a sense of belonging.

Does your team understand and connect with the broader vision of the organisation?

Celebrating Success: Recognising & Motivating

Acknowledging achievements keeps teams motivated and engaged. Whether it’s small wins or major milestones, celebrating success fosters a culture of positivity and appreciation.

Does your team take time to recognise accomplishments, or is progress overlooked?

Does your team feel seen and recognised by their leadership and wider organisation?

Constructive Conflict Resolution: Turning Differences into Strengths

Disagreements happen, but how teams handle them determines their strength. Healthy teams address conflicts openly, respectfully, and with a focus on solutions, not blame.

Does your team resolve conflicts productively, or do tensions linger?

Continuous Improvement: Always Getting Better

The best teams never settle; they constantly seek ways to improve, learn, and grow. Encouraging feedback, skill development, and innovation keeps teams ahead of the curve.

Does your team actively seek feedback and opportunities to improve, or does complacency hold them back?

Does your team feel encouraged and supported by their leadership, or wider organisation, to access opportunities?

Coaching Can Help Surface What’s Not Being Said 

Team coaching isn’t just about fixing individuals; it works to shift the system (the team). 

By holding space for honest conversations and introducing structured, consistent frameworks, we can begin to surface the root causes of friction.

That might mean: 

• Uncovering different work styles or values that are clashing. 
• Creating agreements for how decisions will be made or feedback shared. 
• Developing self-awareness and listening skills within the group. 

…and once that awareness is in the room, real change can happen. 

How Healthy Is Your Team Really? 

If you’re leading a team and wondering why things aren’t flowing the way they should, try reflecting on: 

• Who’s not speaking, and why? 
• What conversations are avoided? 
• What assumptions are people making about one another? 

Sometimes the breakthrough starts not with more effort, but with a different kind of conversation. 

Ready to Build a Stronger, More Effective Team?

High-performing teams don’t happen by chance, they’re built on shared values, trust, and a culture of collaboration.

At Bryony Wiffen Coaching, I work with organisations to:

• Define and strengthen teamwork values that drive performance.
• Improve communication, collaboration, and accountability.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.

Want to transform your team’s dynamics and performance?

Book a Team Workshop today and start creating a thriving, engaged, and successful team.

Let’s start a conversation & explore how we can work together