At The Bailey Group, we regularly reflect on what makes a team truly effective. Team development isn’t just a box to check—it’s the foundation of organizational success. But what does “having a good team” actually mean? And more importantly, how can leaders assess and improve their teams in today’s fast-paced, hybrid work environment?
What Makes a Team “Good” in 2025?
A high-performing team consistently demonstrates two core capabilities:
- They achieve results. They align around shared goals, execute strategy effectively, and deliver high-quality outcomes.
- They build strong, trust-based relationships. They collaborate in ways that enhance productivity rather than create friction.
While these may sound simple, research shows that only 1 in 5 teams operate at this level of performance (McKinsey, 2024). Achieving both task and relational excellence takes deliberate effort—and a wide range of capabilities across the team.
The Foundations of Team Success
To deliver results, teams need:
- A compelling vision and purpose
- Clear roles and responsibilities
- Aligned strategies, goals, and processes
- A shared commitment to accountability and execution
But getting things done isn’t enough. Teams must also cultivate the human dynamics that support collaboration:
- Emotional intelligence: Self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management
- Communication skills: Active listening, transparency, and influence
- Conflict resolution: The ability to surface and resolve tensions productively
- Psychological safety: A culture where all voices are heard and valued
In our experience, no single team member or leader has every skill required—and many teams have critical gaps that limit their performance.
What Exceptional Leaders Do Differently
At The Bailey Group, we call them Orange Penguins—bold, self-aware, emotionally intelligent leaders who:
- Intentionally build teams with complementary skills
- Focus on both results and relationships
- Regularly assess team dynamics and identify areas for growth
- Promote psychological safety and mutual accountability
These leaders don’t just check in on KPIs—they ask:
- Are we learning and adapting together?
- Do we trust each other?
- Are we creating the conditions for everyone to thrive?
Why Team Development Is a Strategic Imperative
According to a 2024 report from MIT Sloan Management Review, the top-performing organizations are 3x more likely to invest in team development that includes both task alignment and relational dynamics.
Yet team development remains complex, iterative, and often misunderstood. It takes:
- Expert facilitation
- Honest feedback loops
- Customized support
That’s where we come in.
At The Bailey Group, we partner with leaders to build resilient, results-driven, emotionally intelligent teams. Whether you’re forming a new team, integrating new leaders, or accelerating performance—we bring the insight and experience to help you succeed.
Want to know how your team is doing?
Let’s start with a conversation.
