Leading a High Performing Team
This program is designed to help leaders and managers develop the skills needed to cultivate high-performing teams—teams that operate with trust, engage in healthy conflict, share commitment, hold one another accountable, and stay focused on results. For leaders, these capabilities translate into clearer communication, stronger relationships, fewer recurring issues, and teams that take greater ownership of their work, reducing the day-to-day friction that can make leadership feel heavy or reactive.
Through this program, participants will engage with core organizational leadership concepts, learn alongside colleagues from across campus, and apply practical strategies directly to their own teams. Each session builds on the last, with opportunities to reflect on what’s working, troubleshoot challenges, and share insights from applying the tools between sessions—supporting leaders in creating teams that are not only effective, but more engaged, resilient, and rewarding to lead.
This program is led by David Fuentes, Associate Dean of the College of Health. Dr. Fuentes has a background in organizational leadership, team development, and leadership strategies. He is committed to helping others build high-performing teams by sharing practical insights and lessons learned throughout his academic career.
Session Descriptions and Goals
Session 1: Understanding Your Role as a Team Leader
Wednesday, March 4, 1–4 p.m.
This session focuses on helping managers understand themselves and their role in building high-performing teams. Participants will explore how to align behaviors with organizational values, navigate systems effectively, and embrace the mindset of a team leader.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify the core roles and responsibilities of managers in team development.
- Reframe leadership as service to the organization and the team.
- Apply leadership principles to real-world team scenarios.
Session 2: How Managers Shape High-Performing Teams
Wednesday, March 11, 1–4 p.m.
High-performing teams share common traits: strong trust, clear communication, shared goals, adaptability, and a positive culture. This session focuses on how a manager can foster these qualities through guidance, career development support, creating meaningful connections, fostering innovation, and cultivating a healthy team climate. Participants will also reflect on lessons applied since Session 1.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify key characteristics of high-performing teams.
- Assess the unique strengths, weaknesses, attributes, and needs within their own teams.
- Share strategies for building rapport and connecting effectively with team members.
- Apply leadership principles to real-world case scenarios.
Session 3: Strengthening Alignment Between Managers and Teams
Wednesday, March 25, 1–4 p.m.
High-performing teams excel when managers and team members are aligned and working toward shared goals. This session focuses on building that alignment—leveraging organizational structures, fostering accountability, and amplifying positive impact. Participants will also reflect on lessons applied since Session 2 and develop actionable strategies for continued growth.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe how managers can positively impact team performance and outcomes.
- Examine how organizational structures support or hinder accountability and performance conversations.
- Apply leadership principles to real-world scenarios.
- Develop practical next steps for enhancing their approach to leading high-performing teams.
How to Register
Participants must commit to joining three in-person sessions: March 4, March 11, and March 25, from 1-4 p.m.
By attending all three sessions and completing the program, you’ll earn a Leading a High-Performing Team certificate to showcase your commitment to leadership excellence.
Please to join this program by Friday, February 21 at 5 p.m.