Why you should measure teams instead of individuals performance

When it comes to work, we seem to always look at individual’s performance – how they’re doing, the tasks they have performed. However, what makes a company successful is when multiple ideas and voices come together.

That’s why I believe that teams should be measured by their collective performance, rather than focusing on an individual. This way, a group can focus on how they can improve together, rather than focusing on separate needs.

Let me explain why.

Firstly, what is team performance?

Defining what team performance is would be the first step into explaining. I’d say it’s the cooperative relationship between a group, coming together for a common goal.

I’ve found that high performing teams will focus significantly on the goals and achievements of the team, rather than the individuals. After all, you all come together to help the company succeed.

Not to mention, if you treat every individual as a wholly detached entity, they won’t feel like part of a team. For a company to really be prosperous, everybody has to work together and accelerate forward to meet goals.

Think of it like a machine. Yes, every single compartment or object is important, but in order for it to really work, every single bit has to come together to achieve the common goal.

You can address the conflict

I know, conflict can be terrifying. The truth is, every team will have a little bit of conflict every now and then.

As a team, you shouldn’t be focused on avoiding conflict, as this can mean that you avoid challenges that need to be addressed.

This is why measuring individual performance isn’t the best idea. As when conflict arises, you don’t look at the issue as a team, but rather as individual problems. On the contrary, if you look at a problem, discuss it and exchange ideas into finding the best solution, you will have a much better outcome.

One way that you can prevent conflict or members of a team feeling disheartened is by involving everybody. A high performing team will be full of members with equal participation. Not just one or two members that dominate the entire discussion.

You can measure all interaction

When you focus on individual performance, you fail to acknowledge the interaction between the teams. This interaction is so important and can make or break a team.

I’ve noticed that teams which don’t have excellent communication, don’t perform as well as those that do. It’s a common issue that drives people apart and can result in conflict, mistakes and a lack of motivation.

Teams really do thrive when they take the time to understand each other and expand on the ideas of everybody involved. This is precisely why measuring a team’s performance is much more beneficial.

Keeping track of the discourse and comments made in a team will show you where you need to improve. Perhaps it’s overly critical, or maybe your team doesn’t tell each other their real thoughts.

Harmony and conversation are super important.

Make sure all decisions are aligned

Every critical decision in your team should be made as a collective. There shouldn’t just be one or two people making them.

Moreover, every person in your team should have knowledge of every single decision, with awareness of all the facts behind it.

Measuring your team’s performance will allow you to ensure that everybody’s decisions and ideas are aligned, and more importantly, everybody knows exactly what is happening in your team.

I believe teams will begin to crumble when people in it are not aware of the movements that are happening. This causes some to be left behind, and your company won’t move at the pace that you would like it to.

There will be more accountability

Yes, measuring an individual’s performance will make them accountable for their actions. However, when you measure a team, individuals become accountable for the team. If that makes sense?

It’s important that team members are held accountable for their actions, that will affect everybody. It’s almost like an added bit of responsibility that will keep them motivated.

For instance, measuring an individual’s performance might just make one person check their emails or show up for the team, for their own gain.

Measuring a team’s performance will ensure that everybody shows up to meetings, is responsive to emails, and keep disruptions to a minimum.

It does make a big difference.

It will help you to discover the challenges

When you measure a team’s performance, you will be able to acknowledge all the problems in the team. This is key to a high-performing group.

Once you work together and analyse your team, you will be able to fix the underlying problems that exist in your team.

Measuring a team’s performance will give you a clear idea of where you need to improve, and other parts that you can tweak and coach.

Some problems or challenges may be easier to fix than others, but noticing them earlier will undoubtedly help with solving them quicker and more comfortable.

I always follow the rule “prevention is better than a solution,” and I believe measuring a team’s performance is the best way to prevent big issues from deriving later on in the game. It keeps you on top of everything and allows you to gauge where you’re doing well, and where you need to improve.

I hope this inspired you to measure a team’s performance, rather than just individuals. I believe it is the best way to help you and your team succeed.

It goes without saying, you should also focus on individuals, especially when they seem to be struggling. You never want to a team member to feel alone or out of their depth. One-to-ones are a great idea, as long as it doesn’t feel like some kind of micro-management or constant checkup. Freedom is key.

Do you have any ideas on how you can effectively manage your team’s performance, I’d love to hear about them.