Strategic Team Structure: A Key to Sustained High Performance
As a people leader, ensuring that your team is set up for success is one of your most crucial responsibilities. Regularly reviewing and optimizing your team structure is essential for maintaining high performance, adaptability, and growth. At Leader Loop, we recommend conducting quick audits quarterly and a deeper review once a year. This proactive approach applies to both small and large teams and helps ensure that your team remains aligned with organizational goals and is prepared to tackle emerging challenges.
Although you may not control all the structure changes needed, it is still very important to have a point of view for your and your team’s path to success. This includes your team structure. You can then focus on influencing others to gain traction on your needs. Showcasing your ability to think strategically about how your people can best impact the organization’s performance goals is a critical attribute that executives appreciate seeing in top-performing leaders.
Why Proactive Team Structure Reviews Matter
Regularly auditing your team structure allows you to identify and address potential issues before they become significant problems. According to a report by the Harvard Business Review, 93% of companies plan to reshape their organizational structure to enhance efficiency and adaptability​​. High-performing teams can demonstrate a 21% increase in profitability compared to their less-structured counterparts​​. By staying proactive, you can ensure your team remains agile, motivated, and capable of delivering exceptional results.
Components of an Effective Team Structure Review
When reviewing your team structure, consider the following components to ensure your team is optimized for success:
1. Right People in the Right Roles
Evaluate whether each team member is in a role that leverages their strengths and skills. Misaligned roles can lead to decreased productivity and job satisfaction. According to a study by Gallup, teams that focus on strengths have 12.5% greater productivity​​. Ensure that your team members are positioned where they can contribute most effectively.
2. Reporting Structure
Assess whether the current reporting structure makes sense. As organizations grow and evolve, reporting lines may need to be adjusted to reflect new priorities and workflows. A well-defined reporting structure can enhance communication, reduce bottlenecks, and improve decision-making.
3. People Resources
Determine if you have enough people to meet your team’s objectives. Overworked teams can experience burnout, leading to higher turnover rates. According to the AIIR Consulting study, connected teams see 59% less employee turnover​​. If necessary, advocate for additional hires to ensure your team can handle its workload effectively.
4. Talent for Emerging Initiatives
Identify if new talent is needed to drive emerging initiatives or workflows. As industries evolve, new skills and expertise may be required. Regularly reviewing your team allows you to stay ahead of these changes and ensure that you have the right talent to support innovation and growth.
5. Addressing Poor Performance
Review team performance and address any issues. Poor performance can impact overall team effectiveness and morale. Consider whether role shifts or additional training might help underperforming team members improve. A study by the Oxford Review found that effective team coordination, supported by a clear structure, significantly enhances performance​​.
Recommended Review Frequency
To maintain a high-performing team, Leader Loop recommends the following review schedule:
- Quarterly Quick Audits: Conduct brief check-ins to identify immediate issues and make necessary adjustments. These audits help maintain momentum and ensure your team stays aligned with short-term goals.
- Annual Deep Dive: Perform a comprehensive review once a year to evaluate your team structure in detail. This review should include strategic planning for the upcoming year, considering any anticipated changes in organizational priorities or market conditions.
Final Thoughts
Proactively reviewing your team structure is essential for sustaining high performance and achieving long-term success. By conducting regular audits and making informed adjustments, you can ensure that your team remains adaptable, motivated, and capable of meeting evolving challenges. Remember, the goal is to create an environment where each team member can thrive and contribute to the organization’s success.
Stay proactive, stay aligned, and set your team up for continuous growth and achievement.
About Leader Loop: Leader Loop crafts actionable, competency-focused articles to accelerate your career growth. Our expert-written content provides practical strategies for leadership, team management, and professional development. Whether you’re a seasoned manager or an ambitious individual contributor, our articles deliver the insights you need to excel in today’s workplace.
