7 ‘Secret Ingredients’ for Highly Successful Teams

Sports fans are familiar with stories of teams that “looked great on paper”—there are countless professional and college teams that have woefully underperformed even though pundits’ and fans’ expectations of them were high. The underlying lesson for coaches applies to business leaders as well: Building successful teams takes more than finding and landing top talent.

Even if a leader is blessed with driven, committed team members, they won’t necessarily achieve success—unless they proactively nurture the practices and qualities that lead to genuine cohesiveness. Below, a group of leaders and entrepreneurs from Business Journals Leadership Trust share their “secret ingredients” for highly successful teams, detailing why these qualities and practices are so crucial for sustained success.

1. Commitment to collaboration

I’ve worked hard to maintain a collaborative culture across our hybrid structure of remote international staff and local team members. Through building multiple companies, I have come to understand the importance of genuine connection and shared purpose in business. Taking a collaborative approach has been crucial in addressing our biggest challenge: maintaining team cohesiveness across different time zones and cultures. By fostering an environment where every team member feels empowered to contribute—whether they’re in Austin or Asia—we’ve turned a potential weakness into strength. When I see team members building on each other’s ideas, it reminds me why I chose this path—there’s nothing more rewarding than watching a truly collaborative team in action. – Cody McLain, ATX Backyard Studio

2. Authenticity

The one word I would use to describe my relationship with my team is “authentic.” An authentic relationship is genuine and based on truth and honesty. In a business setting, I behave in the manner that I expect everyone else on my team to behave, and vice versa. Our commitment to authenticity also requires that everyone on the team lives out our company’s mission and values every day and treats our customers with the same spirit of authenticity. – Brian Barnes, Blakeford Senior Life

3. Seeking diverse perspectives

We often say around here that “nobody is the smartest person in the room.” We all have different learnings and experiences. Regardless of who reports to whom, everybody has input. Leadership still makes the final decisions, but few decisions get made without input from multiple people. – Gary Braun, Pivotal Advisors, LLC

4. Belief in each other

While it has taken years to create this shared foundation, I now trust my team is going to represent our company in the best way possible. And in return, I hope they trust that I will do what is right for the company and for them. – Barry Raber, Carefree Covered RV Storage

5. Mutual respect

Mutual respect is vital because it creates a foundation where everyone’s ideas are heard and individuals feel valued. With mutual respect, the team works together harmoniously toward a common purpose. – Justin Brock, Bobby Brock Insurance

6. Leadership transparency

I’ve found that transparency is the most powerful component of a leader’s relationship with their team members. Being open and honest and communicating frequently and authentically builds trust and respect. – Kent Lewis, pdxMindShare

7. Trust

Trust is the foundation of our team’s collaboration and innovation. Trust ensures open communication, empowers decision-making and fosters a culture where ideas can flourish. Maintaining trust is essential for driving progress and achieving shared goals as a team. – Bill Rokos, Parsec Automation