Agile blog series 3: High performing squad

Absolutely! Here’s a polished and professional rewrite of your blog, while keeping your warmth, authenticity, and personality fully intact:

Do You Ever Fantasize About Nirvana?

Before you start humming Smells Like Teen Spirit, let me stop you right there. I’m not talking about that Nirvana. I mean Nirvana in its truest form: a state of complete happiness and fulfillment—ultimate purpose, pure perfection.

In the agile world, we call that state: the high-performing squad. It’s the dream. The gold standard. And—let’s be honest—a bit of a holy grail.

I see many people around me actively searching for these squads, trying to identify them, support them, and care for them like the proverbial goose that lays golden eggs. And while there are plenty of reports and research papers from top consulting firms on this topic, I want to share something simpler: my own lived observations. Real, raw, and from the floor—not from a PowerPoint.

But here’s the thing: high-performing squads are rare. If you ever get the chance to work with one, recognize the privilege, embrace the opportunity, and enjoy the ride.

5 Characteristics of High-Performing Squads

1. Seamless Communication
They can be sitting in a crowded room and still connect effortlessly. These teams listen deeply, understand each other intuitively, and communicate with a kind of unspoken harmony. You’ll see them finish each other’s sentences, build on each other’s ideas, and gently correct one another without ego. It’s elegant, it’s efficient, and honestly—it’s inspiring.

2. Fierce Ownership
Their product isn’t just “a project”—it’s their business. They care about the customer, they go the extra mile, and they hold themselves to high standards. No one needs to push them forward; if anything, you’ll find yourself asking them to slow down. Their sense of accountability is both natural and unwavering.

3. Quiet Humility
Often, these individuals are among the best in their fields—but you wouldn’t hear it from them. There’s no arrogance, no ego. They own their mistakes, learn from failure, and never play the blame game. In fact, their strength lies in their vulnerability and willingness to grow.

4. Collective Mastery
Not everyone needs to be a superstar, but together, they form an unbeatable team. They bring complementary skills, challenge each other intellectually, and constantly push boundaries. These squads are often the go-to centers of expertise in their organizations. They explore, innovate, and elevate everything around them.

5. Laughter and Joy
They enjoy what they do—and it shows. They’re usually the loudest, most energetic team on the floor. Walk past them and you’ll feel the buzz. There’s warmth, camaraderie, and real friendship. It's like walking by a close-knit family who also happen to deliver great work.

Personally, I love working with squads that are close to perfect (pardon my honest bias 😊). They make me laugh, they challenge me, and they fill me with pride. But just like all precious things, these squads need care. Organizations must recognize their value, invest in them, and—most importantly—give them the space to thrive.

As one wise leader once said:
“Hire great people, and get the hell out of their way.”

Let me know if you want to turn this into a visual post or presentation—it would make a great piece for team offsites or leadership workshops!

Updated on

April 6, 2025
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