With so much rhetoric on what makes a high-performing team, it’s easy to feel stuck in a never-ending cycle of evaluating our team’s agility and outcomes. And just in case any consultants are lurking, yes, I know these elements matter. But also—some of the best attributes are a bit more intangible.
Do I actually look forward to our meetings, or do I show up bracing for impact?
How often do I find myself venting at home about the team or the people?
Do I feel heard and valued?
Am I using my best skills?
When things don’t go as planned, do we regroup, or do we retreat?
And yes, are we getting stuff done?
For the third year running, my team took the lead on Ferrara’s all-employee Day of Service, and it turned out to be our biggest and most impactful yet. We had a dedicated group of team members who came together six months in advance to plan it all out.
What distinguished this team was not just the impressive outcomes, but the genuineness we fostered along the way. I actually looked forward to each meeting. We captured that unique spark of a high-performing team that traditional frameworks often overlook.
So, how did we pull it off? We kept our goal front and center. We kicked off meetings with check-ins—sometimes just a thumbs up, down, or sideways to see how everyone was feeling. We made space for open conversations and stayed focused on our mission. Sure, it may have felt a bit easier since we were planning a day dedicated to giving, but there’s no reason we can’t carry those same behaviors into other areas.
Every day, we find ourselves teaming up more and more, whether it’s our core functional teams, the ones we lead, or the ones we volunteer for. Each is a chance to build connections, feel fulfilled, and create something amazing. Not every team will be high-performing or a joy-filled powerhouse, but I hope you’re discovering more that are, and fewer that leave you with stories to vent about at home (haha!).
Standing (l-r): Kristopher Nance, Nicola Zannier, Andi Trubiano, MBA, Michelle Jareczek, Ashley Giovinazzo, Alberto Zapata, Vanessa Flores Andersen, Steve Rawleigh
Seated (l-r): Andrea Millender, MBA, Marco Capurso, Catherine Michels, CPA, Brittan Cobb
Not Pictured: Justin Bonk, Amber Carpenter, Lisa Krone, Lauren F., Margie Poulos, Heather Reynolds
If think you could be the cheese to our macaroni and you want to become part of this amazing team, do not hesitate to contact us via info@fieldserviceinmotion.com 🍝