How to Lead a High-Performing Hybrid Team

In today’s evolving work landscape, building a high-performing hybrid team has become crucial for organisational success. As we navigate the complexities of remote and in-office work, leaders must adapt their strategies to ensure team cohesion, productivity, and engagement. This article explores key steps to create and maintain a high-performing hybrid team, drawing from recent research and our expert insights.

1. Define Clear Goals and Expectations

The foundation of any high-performing team lies in clear expectations and goals. In a hybrid environment, this becomes even more critical. Research from Gallup shows that 48% of hybrid workers are on teams that have not discussed a plan for effective collaboration in a hybrid setting¹. To address this:

• Create a team charter that defines how members work together best
• Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound) goals to help both remote and on-site workers understand their focus. Additionally, implement Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to provide a structured framework that connects individual and team goals to the broader organisational strategy. OKRs allow leaders to track progress and ensure everyone is working towards measurable outcomes.
• Regularly communicate about availability and priorities

Pro Tip: Regularly review and adjust goals and OKRs to reflect changing circumstances and team dynamics.

2. Invest in the Right Technology

Hybrid teams in pharmaceutical and technical organisations require robust, industry-specific tools to ensure seamless collaboration and compliance. Equip your team with:

• Secure data-sharing platforms: Tools like Veeva Vault, Box, or SharePoint to manage sensitive documents and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
• Laboratory data management systems: For pharmaceutical teams, platforms like LabWare or STARLIMS facilitate efficient collaboration on research and development projects.
• Specialised project management tools: Jira for technical teams or MS Project for pharmaceutical organisations to streamline workflows and track progress.
• Video conferencing platforms: Microsoft Teams or Cisco Webex, which integrate well with enterprise systems.
• Compliance and training software: Tools such as MasterControl for ensuring team members stay updated on industry standards and regulations.

Pro Tip: Provide ongoing training to ensure all team members are proficient in using these tools effectively and securely.

3. Create Trust and Social Cohesion

Trust and social cohesion are pivotal for cultivating positive hybrid team dynamics². These elements face significant challenges in virtual settings compared to co-located teams. To build trust and strengthen social bonds:

• Organise regular virtual and in-person team-building activities.
• Encourage team members to share their unique perspectives and skills.
• Celebrate achievements—big or small—to boost morale
• Recognise individual contributions to the whole team regularly.

Pro Tip: Rotate meeting facilitators to give everyone a chance to lead discussions and feel valued.

4. Enhance Communication Strategies

Communication is the cornerstone of any successful team. In hybrid setups, over-communicating is often better than under-communicating. Leaders should:

• Encourage transparency: Share updates regularly to ensure everyone stays informed.
• Set communication norms: Define when to use email, instant messaging, or video calls to prevent miscommunication.
• Embrace inclusivity: Make sure remote workers have equal opportunities to voice their opinions during meetings.

Pro Tip: Schedule regular check-ins with individual team members to address concerns and provide feedback.

5. Prioritise Employee Well-being

A high-performing team is a happy and healthy one. Show genuine care for your team’s well-being by:

• Promoting work-life balance: Respect boundaries and avoid scheduling meetings outside of working hours.
• Providing mental health resources: Offer access to counselling services or mindfulness programs.
• Encouraging time off: Model this behaviour as a leader to normalise taking breaks.

Pro Tip: Conduct regular surveys to gauge employee satisfaction and address concerns promptly.

6. Develop Leadership Skills for Hybrid Management

Leading a hybrid team requires a unique set of skills. Leaders should focus on:

• Emotional intelligence: Understand and respond to the emotions of team members.
• Adaptability: Embrace change and inspire the team to do the same.
• Conflict resolution: Address issues swiftly and constructively.

Pro Tip: Invest in leadership training tailored to hybrid team management.

7. Promote Accountability and Performance

In a hybrid setting, maintaining accountability can be challenging. To ensure high performance:

1. Adopt a results-driven culture focusing on outcomes rather than processes.
2. Use people science insights to identify and mitigate stressors.
3. Conduct regular ‘360 degree’ feedback sessions for performance transparency.

Pro Tip: Regularly solicit feedback from team members to identify areas for improvement.

Final Thoughts

Leading a high-performing hybrid team requires intentional leadership and a commitment to create a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment. By defining clear goals, leveraging technology, prioritising well-being, and continually refining your approach, you can create a team that excels—no matter where its members are located.