Build High-Performing Teams Through Proven Leadership Frameworks
With AI transforming industries at unprecedented speed, team leadership has become essential. Teams that collaborate effectively, resolve conflicts quickly, and execute with clarity outpace those that don’t.
Even talented teams face predictable challenges. Ideas go unshared. Conflicts simmer. Innovation stalls.
The result? Missed opportunities, declining morale, and competitors who outpace you, not because they have better people or technology, but because they’ve built empowered teams that execute effectively under pressure.
The difference isn’t talent. It’s leadership that creates the conditions for teams to thrive.
This 2-day Building High-Performing Teams workshop gives you practical tools and proven strategies to build, sustain, and lead high-performing teams that consistently deliver results.
The High Performing Teams Canvas: Your Visual Framework for Team Excellence
At the heart of this workshop is the High Performing Teams Canvas, which integrates proven team performance models from Tuckman, Drexler/Sibbet, Lencioni, and others.
High-performing teams don’t emerge by chance. They require seven critical elements working together. The canvas helps you systematically build these elements by showing you what’s missing and guiding you in putting the right conditions in place.
The seven critical elements of team performance:
- Goals & Alignment: Create shared purpose and clear objectives that unite your team
- Focus & Boundaries: Establish constraints that sharpen focus and drive productivity
- Skills & Diversity: Build teams with complementary capabilities and diverse perspectives
- Stability & Trust: Foster psychological safety and sustainable team relationships
- Empowerment & Accountability: Clarify decision rights and expand team autonomy
- Foundation & Support: Ensure teams have the resources and environment for peak performance
- Growth & Evolution: Implement ongoing improvement processes for sustained development
What Makes This Team Building Workshop Different
Unlike abstract leadership theories or traditional team-building seminars, this intensive workshop teaches you practical techniques to create each of the seven critical elements:
Not Generic Team Building
You won’t do trust falls or ropes courses. You’ll work on your actual team challenges using proven frameworks to build clear goals, establish productive constraints, foster psychological safety, and create the other conditions high-performing teams need.
Not Theory-Heavy Academics
Every concept is paired with hands-on application. You’ll work through actual scenarios and leave with completed tools, not just notes.
Not One-Size-Fits-All
Limited to 16 participants to ensure your specific situation gets addressed. You’ll customize every framework to your team’s reality.
Not a One-Time Event
You receive a 30/60/90 day implementation roadmap and optional coaching support to ensure the learning translates into lasting change.
You’ll leave knowing how to use the High Performing Teams Canvas to diagnose what’s missing and systematically build each of the seven critical elements in your specific team context.
Leadership Capabilities You’ll Develop
In 2 Days, You’ll Develop Essential Team Leadership Skills for Today’s Managers:
Diagnose Team Development Stage
Use Tuckman’s stages and Drexler/Sibbet’s model to identify where your team is and what they need next. Apply Situational Leadership to adapt your leadership approach based on team maturity.
Build Psychological Safety & Effective Communication
Create an environment where team members take intelligent risks and share ideas openly without fear using Amy Edmondson’s framework. Implement specific techniques that improve information flow and strengthen relationships.
Minimize Conflict & Improve Team Relations
Transform disagreements into productive discussions using the Thomas-Kilmann conflict model. Apply Patrick Lencioni’s model to address the five dysfunctions that prevent team success.
Harness Team Diversity & Enable Cross-Functional Success
Map each team member’s unique skills and strengths using the Dreyfus Model. Implement structured approaches to eliminate silos and help specialists collaborate effectively.
Optimize Decision-Making & Authority
Clarify who makes which decisions using delegation frameworks. Eliminate bottlenecks and accelerate delivery by expanding appropriate team autonomy.
Drive Accountability & Commitment
Develop a culture of mutual responsibility without micromanagement. Help team members honor commitments and take initiative.
Who Benefits From Team Performance Training
Ideal Participants for Team Leadership Development
Team Leaders & Managers
You’re responsible for team performance and outcomes. You need practical tools that work Monday morning, not theoretical concepts.
Emerging Leaders
You’re preparing for increased team management responsibilities. Build the foundation now before bad habits form.
Project & Product Managers
You’re balancing timeline pressures with team health. Learn how to achieve both without compromise.
Functional Managers
You’re transitioning from individual contribution to team leadership. Understand what makes the difference between managing and leading.
Scrum Masters & Agile Coaches
You’re coaching teams and facilitating collaboration. Deepen your expertise with proven frameworks and expand your facilitation toolkit.
This Workshop Is For You If You Are Facing These Team Leadership Challenges:
- Unclear direction causing confusion and misalignment
- Communication breakdowns leading to costly mistakes and re-work
- Team conflicts that drain energy and productivity
- Silos and barriers between team members or departments
- Resistance to change when implementing new initiatives
- Difficulty motivating team members to deliver their best work
- High turnover of talented team members
You’ll learn research-backed frameworks and practical tools to address each challenge systematically and implement improvements immediately.
Tangible Team Building Tools You’ll Implement Immediately
Walk Away with These Practical Leadership Resources That Create Real Team Performance Results:
Comprehensive Team Assessment & Development Roadmap
A detailed evaluation of your team across all seven performance dimensions, paired with a 30/60/90 day action plan addressing your specific challenges.
Communication & Conflict Resolution Toolkit
Proven techniques to improve information flow and turn disagreements into productive discussions that strengthen relationships.
Team Alignment & Trust-Building Framework
Methods to create shared purpose and build psychological safety, including activities you can use in your next team meeting.
Decision Authority Matrix
Clear guidelines for who makes which decisions, enabling faster execution and mutual responsibility without micromanagement.
Skills Analysis Tools
Templates to identify and leverage each team member’s capabilities, helping you maximize contributions.
Performance Measurement & Progress Tracking
Metrics and milestones to monitor team improvement, celebrate progress, and maintain momentum.
Your Complete Team Leadership Transformation Package
Your registration includes:
Immersive Learning Experience
Two-day intensive workshop limited to 16 participants. Hands-on application to your specific team challenges. Practice with real scenarios before implementing with your team.
Comprehensive Resource Toolkit
Customized High Performing Teams Canvas for your team. Assessment tools to evaluate all seven performance elements. Implementation templates for each framework. Digital resource library with ongoing access.
Ongoing Support and Development
Personalized 30/60/90 day implementation roadmap. Optional post-workshop 1:1 coaching sessions. Access to updated resources as our methodology evolves.
Professional Development Credits
14 Scrum Educational Units (SEUs) recognized by the Scrum Alliance. 14 Professional Development Units (PDUs) to maintain PMI credentials.
Our Confidence Guarantee
We eliminate all risk from your workshop registration:
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Not satisfied during Day 1? Full refund immediately. No questions asked, no paperwork.
Flexible Cancellation Policy
Cancel before the workshop for any reason. Full refund, anytime.
Free Rescheduling
Transfer your registration to any future workshop date at no cost.
Workshop Cancellation Protection
If we cancel or reschedule, you receive a 100% refund immediately plus priority registration for the next available date.
Workshop Curriculum: Your Roadmap to Team Leadership Excellence
Over two intensive days, you’ll learn to use the High Performing Teams Canvas to build and sustain team excellence. Day 1 establishes your foundation: understanding team dynamics, building psychological safety, and creating alignment. Day 2 develops your leadership systems: clarifying decision authority, resolving conflicts, and implementing continuous improvement. You’ll apply each framework through interactive exercises, simulations, role-playing, and group discussions to your actual team challenges.
Detailed 2-Day Curriculum
Day 1: Foundations of Team Excellence
Morning: Understanding Team Dynamics & Assessment
- Attributes of High-Performing Teams: Identify the 12 essential characteristics that distinguish exceptional teams
- High Performing Teams Canvas Overview: Understand the seven dimensions system
- Comprehensive Assessment: Evaluate both team performance and leadership styles to establish your baseline
- Individual & Team Development: Learn the critical relationship between personal growth and team evolution based on the Shu Ha Ri model
Afternoon: Building Clarity, Purpose & Capability
- Goals & Strategic Alignment: Establish clear objectives that create shared direction
- Constraints & Boundaries: Create focus that directs effort toward priorities
- Diversity & Complementary Capabilities: Build teams with the right mix of skills and perspectives using the Dreyfus Model
- Team Development Models: Apply Tuckman and Drexler/Sibbet frameworks to real-world scenarios
- Situational Leadership: Adapt your leadership approach based on team maturity
Day 2: Trust, Authority, and Sustainability
Morning: Developing Psychological Safety & Team Cohesion
- Trust & Psychological Safety: Apply Amy Edmondson’s and Patrick Lencioni’s models to build the foundation for collaboration
- Team Chartering: Create agreements that align expectations and establish working norms
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Break down silos and build bridges across team boundaries
- Decision Authority & Accountability Framework: Clarify who makes which decisions using delegation boards and build mutual responsibility
Afternoon: Creating Support Systems & Continuous Evolution
- Conflict Resolution: Apply the Thomas-Kilmann model to turn disagreements into productive discussions
- Performance Metrics & Engagement: Understand the measures that matter for sustainable excellence
- Supportive Environment: Design the context teams need to perform at their best
- Implementation & Evolution Planning: Create your 30/60/90 day roadmap for continuous team development
Meet Your Expert Workshop Leader
Fadi Stephan – Technology Executive & Transformation Leader
For over 20 years, as VP of Product Development at Excella and Director at DATABASICS, Fadi has built and led high-performing product and engineering teams at Fortune 500 companies, startups, and government agencies. He’s addressed leadership challenges, team dynamics, and organizational change by coaching leaders through team dysfunction, building psychological safety, and developing frameworks for sustainable team performance.
In 2014, Fadi became one of only 200 professionals worldwide to earn the Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) designation from the Scrum Alliance. This credential requires demonstrated expertise in agile team leadership and team building practices, proven teaching ability, and significant contributions to the agile community.
Fadi holds dual graduate degrees in Computer Science and Management of Information Systems, enabling him to bridge technical and executive perspectives. Based in Washington DC, he co-organizes the DC Scrum User Group and presents regularly at Agile Alliance and Scrum Gathering conferences.
Outside of work, you’ll find him cycling around DC or skiing the Rockies.
Testimonials About Fadi’s Workshops
Corporate Training Options - Building High-Performing Teams Workshop
Transform Your Entire Leadership Organization with Customized Team Training
Bring this workshop to your organization with private training designed for your specific team challenges, organizational culture, and leadership development needs.
Benefits of Private Corporate Team Training:
- Customized Content: Training adapted to your organization's team structures, challenges, and leadership contexts
- Volume Pricing: Corporate rates available for teams of 6+ participants with multi-session packages
- Flexible Delivery: On-site training at your location, virtual delivery for distributed teams, or 3-4 day extended formats
- Organizational Alignment: Build common team leadership practices and frameworks across your organization
- Implementation Support: Post-workshop coaching and team assessment sessions to address your specific challenges
- Reduced External Dependence: Build internal team leadership expertise and create internal coaching capability
Our Holistic Approach to Organizational Capability
Team leadership provides the foundation for executing effectively in competitive markets. To maximize this foundation, organizations need strategic product thinking that guides what teams build, quality delivery practices that enable teams to ship reliable features fast, and adaptive organizational structures that support continuous team evolution and learning.
Our comprehensive training addresses all four capabilities:
- Building High-Performing Teams Workshop – Team empowerment and execution effectiveness (THIS WORKSHOP)
- Building Innovative Products Workshop – Strategic product thinking and customer discovery
- Building Quality Products Workshop – Technical excellence in AI-powered development
- Building High-Performing Organizations Workshop – Organizational agility and adaptive systems
Ready to transform your leadership organization? Schedule a consultation to explore team training.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Team Leadership Training
Common questions about fit, customization, timing, and how this workshop compares to other team development approaches. Don't see yours? Contact us.
Common Questions About Our Team Performance Workshop
Who is this leadership workshop best suited for?
This leadership workshop is ideal for current and aspiring leaders of product teams across all industries who want to elevate their team's performance. Whether you're managing established teams facing challenges or building new teams from the ground up, you'll gain practical tools to enhance team dynamics, communication, and results.
Can the workshop be customized for our organization's specific challenges?
Absolutely. For private workshops, we conduct pre-workshop interviews to understand your specific team challenges and customize case studies and exercises accordingly. This ensures the content directly addresses your organization's unique situation while maintaining the research-backed framework. Private workshops include a 3-day or 4-day option for more in-depth hands-on exercises. Contact us for details.
How soon can we implement what we learn?
The workshop is designed for immediate application. Each module includes practical tools you can implement the following week.
Do I need prior leadership experience to benefit from this workshop?
No. While experienced leaders will gain new perspectives and tools, the workshop is equally valuable for emerging leaders and those preparing to take on leadership roles. The content is designed to meet you where you are in your leadership journey.
How is this different from other team-building programs?
This workshop addresses the fundamental elements of high-performing teams: purpose, structure, clarity, psychological safety, and continuous improvement. You'll learn a comprehensive system for team development based on research-backed frameworks from Tuckman, Drexler/Sibbet, Lencioni, and Amy Edmondson, rather than isolated team-building activities.
Have more questions?
Contact us and we'll help you determine if this workshop is right for your situation.
Additional Resources & References
This workshop builds upon and delivers practical application and integration of established frameworks and research from leading team performance experts including Patrick Lencioni, Amy Edmondson, Bruce Tuckman, and the Drexler/Sibbet. For participants who want to explore the foundational concepts in greater depth, these resources provide valuable background:
Workshop Resources
Team Performance Frameworks & Models:
12 Essential Attributes of High-Performing Teams – Comprehensive guide to the characteristics that distinguish exceptional teams
High Performing Team Canvas – Visual framework for assessing and developing all seven dimensions of team excellence
Tuckman's Stages of Group Development – Understanding team evolution through Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing stages
Drexler/Sibbet Team Performance Model – Seven-stage framework for team creation and performance
Shu Ha Ri – Individual and team skill development model from beginner to mastery
The Dreyfus Model of Skills Acquisition - 5 stages of skills acquisition
Leadership Approaches:
Situational Leadership – Adapting your leadership style based on team member development and task complexity
Leadership Agility – Understanding expert, achiever, and catalyst leadership levels
Psychological Safety & Team Dynamics:
Psychological Safety Guide – Amy Edmondson's research-backed approach to creating environments where teams can take risks and innovate
Lencioni's 5 Dysfunctions of a Team – Understanding and overcoming absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results
Product Team Conflict Management – Thomas-Kilmann's model to turn tension into innovation through effective conflict resolution strategies
Empowerment & Decision-Making:
Delegation Board – Practical tool for clarifying decision authority and increasing team autonomy
Decision-Making Techniques for Facilitators – 9 methods to drive group consensus and improve team decision-making
Core Books & Research:
Team Development:
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni – Essential reading on building cohesive, high-performing teams through trust and accountability
The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson – Research-based guide to creating psychological safety in the workplace
Team of Teams by General Stanley McChrystal – How to create adaptable, resilient teams in complex environments
The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle – The secrets of highly successful groups and how to build them
Leadership & Management:
Turn the Ship Around! by L. David Marquet – Leadership lessons on creating leaders at every level through intent-based leadership
Radical Candor by Kim Scott – How to be a better boss through caring personally and challenging directly
The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner – Research-backed practices of exemplary leadership
Multipliers by Liz Wiseman – How the best leaders make everyone smarter and amplify team capability
Team Dynamics & Performance:
The Wisdom of Teams by Jon Katzenbach and Douglas Smith – What makes teams work and how to create high-performance teams
Crucial Conversations by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Switzler – Tools for talking when stakes are high
Humble Leadership by Edgar Schein and Peter Schein – The power of relationships, openness, and trust in leadership
Research & Academic Resources:
Google's Project Aristotle – Research on what makes teams effective, highlighting psychological safety as the key factor
Harvard Business Review on Teams – Collection of research-backed articles on team effectiveness and performance
Online Tools & Assessments:
Management 3.0 Tools – Practical tools including delegation poker, moving motivators, and team competency matrix
Liberating Structures – Facilitation techniques for engaging and unleashing groups of any size
Related Kaizenko Workshops:
Building Innovative Products Workshop – Strategic product thinking and customer discovery to guide what your team builds
Building Quality Products Workshop – Technical excellence in AI-powered development for quality execution
Building High-Performing Organizations Workshop – Organizational agility and adaptive systems that support team excellence
Ready to Transform Your Team with Leadership Training?
For Individuals:
Spaces are limited to 16 participants per session to ensure personalized instruction on team leadership tools and techniques.
For Teams:
Schedule a 15-minute consultation to discuss your team's challenges and ensure this workshop meets your needs.