The Peacemaker Principle: Crafting High-Performing Teams

I’ve built hundreds of teams in life and business.

Some small -- and some big teams making $10mm+ decisions.

Here are 9 principles I use to craft high-performing teams:

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— Michael Girdley (@girdley) March 8, 2023

The Peacemaker Principle

It’s tempting to create a team of all hard-chargers.

That's a rookie mistake.

High-performing teams often include a “people person."

These personalities naturally defuse minor conflicts in the team before they get big.

— Michael Girdley (@girdley) March 8, 2023

The Clear Mission Principle

Great teams need a North Star.

Can the team make a difference?

What purpose do they serve?

Create an inspiring mission to perform at the highest level.

The whole team should know their WHY.

— Michael Girdley (@girdley) March 8, 2023

Skin in the Game Principle

Teams perform best when personally incentivized to succeed.

This can be ownership, a bonus, or a promotion.

Or non-monetary rewards like acclaim or recognition.

Tie personal outcome to the team outcome -- and win more.

— Michael Girdley (@girdley) March 8, 2023

The Anchors Away Principle

Those projects when you covered for weak teammates?

Do not do that to your stars.

Best case, it slows them down.

Worst case, the whole thing implodes.

— Michael Girdley (@girdley) March 8, 2023

The Benetton Principle

Teams with a variety of backgrounds and cultures perform better.

This isn’t just about DEI lip service.

Studies show diverse teams produce more patents than average.

It’s not just right – it’s good business.

— Michael Girdley (@girdley) March 8, 2023

The No Responsibility Without Authority Principle

Responsibility = “you own this”

Authority = “you have the power to enact change.”

If you don’t give a team both, they will feel powerless.

Or worse, like they're working on a pointless project.

— Michael Girdley (@girdley) March 8, 2023

The Hierarchy Principle

Sure, it’d be nice not to pick a leader for your team.

But business isn’t a commune, a potluck, or a campfire.

You get the best results with a single person leading.

And accountable for the team's performance.

— Michael Girdley (@girdley) March 8, 2023

The We Are Humans Principle

Get the team out of the office.

Encourage them to know each other personally.

Have fun. Build trust.

Be people -- even at the office.

Studies show the highest-performing teams bond over non-work topics.

— Michael Girdley (@girdley) March 8, 2023

The Swoop Principle

Don't "fire and forget" when you build a team.

Email wars? Tell them to pick up the phone.

Stupid meetings? Get in there and do some coaching!

Is good work happening? Compliment!

Leaders must step in when needed.

— Michael Girdley (@girdley) March 8, 2023

The algorithm hates old-school threads now, but I don't care and spent 2 hours on this anyway.

So please do me a solid and engage with this so it won't get buried!

Which is your favorite? Right? Wrong? What's missing?

Like/Retweet the first tweet below if you can: https://t.co/Dy6RK26Mue

— Michael Girdley (@girdley) March 8, 2023

Wow. @typefully wrecked my formatting here with extra space. Weird!

Oh well.

— Michael Girdley (@girdley) March 8, 2023