Listen "High Performing Teams Playbook"
Episode Synopsis
Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast. In this episode, Simon, David, Chris and returning host, Dan Ashby explore what makes a high-performing team and how leaders can intentionally create the right environment for teams to thrive. The conversation builds on both shared experience and real-world examples of navigating complex team dynamics.Topics Discussed• Psychological safetyHow teams understand it, how fragile it can be and the different forms it takes, including inclusion, learning, contributor and challenger safety.• Purpose and directionWhy clarity of mission anchors decision making and helps individuals see their contribution to collective outcomes.• Skills, proficiency and growthUnderstanding a team’s starting point, enabling learning opportunities and how building capability strengthens trust and accountability. Dan also introduces his High-Performing Teams Framework, which provides a structured model for these elements:https://evolvingleadership.uk/the-hpt-framework/• Trust and ownershipThe importance of follow-through, transparency and what Chris refers to as decisive humility when leading in uncertain or inherited contexts.• Joy and communityHow internal communities, shared testing sessions, social connection and small rituals can support morale and cohesion, especially in remote environments.• Real-world leadership experiencesChris shares an example of challenging expectations from leadership by gathering context, sense-checking with peers and approaching difficult conversations with evidence and respect.Also in this episodeBurnout, remote working dynamics, and the role of workplace friendships in supporting sustainable performance.#PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December 2025, when they increase to £30.And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interestedTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersThanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing.nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years!nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers.www.nfocus.co.uk and [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in touch.Support the show
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