The most successful teams aren’t always the strongest or most talented. They are the ones that invest in the right people and the right conversations. Ross Tucker, former NFL offensive lineman and broadcaster, identifies seven foundations of high-performing teams that apply in both business and athletics.
7 Foundations of High-Performing Teams
- People and Purpose – “The why is more important than the how” (Tucker). Great teams thrive on shared purpose. StepBack Sessions give teams structured time to reflect on their values and align actions with collective goals.
- Invest in Understanding – No one knows everything. Encouraging diverse viewpoints and creating psychological safety strengthens collaboration.
- Adaptability and Responsiveness – High performance requires flexibility. Teams that pause to assess challenges and adjust strategies outperform those who do not.
- Restlessness – Complacency kills momentum. Revisiting goals and setting clear next steps keeps teams moving forward.
- Balance – Success comes from equilibrium between risk and reward, simplicity and complexity, new talent and veteran insight. Regular check-ins help teams maintain this balance.
- Communication – Clear, honest, and consistent communication keeps teams coordinated and prevents misunderstandings.
- Accountability – Teams take responsibility for their actions and outcomes, holding themselves and each other accountable for results.
Team Emotional Intelligence
Vanessa Druskat’s The Emotionally Intelligent Team shows that many groups fall short due to poor emotional alignment. TEI rests on three principles: help one another succeed, learn and advance together, and engage stakeholders. StepBack Sessions strengthen emotional intelligence by fostering belonging, recognition, and shared influence, giving teams the tools to work together effectively.
High-performing teams are not rare. They are groups aligned in purpose, united in focus, and committed to collaboration. By incorporating StepBack Sessions into regular team practice, alignment, emotional intelligence, and performance become consistent habits and not just ideals.
