S3E8: How to Structure and Support School Teams for High Performance with Dr. Pete Stebbins

When a school team feels “a bit off”, it’s tempting to think it’s a people problem, but often, it’s a structure problem. How teams are set up, supported and expected to function plays a far greater role in their success than we might assume. Without clarity around roles, norms and purpose, even teams made up of good people can struggle to function at their best.

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Pete Stebbings, workplace psychologist and director of the High Performance Schools Program. Drawing on years of school-based leadership development, Pete shares practical strategies for building high-performing teams that thrive on clarity, trust and structure.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Pete defines high-performance teams and how they differ from traditional group structures
• Why many school teams aren’t truly functioning as teams, and how to spot the difference
• How to shift from relationship-based cultures to trust-based cultures
• The importance of clarifying team norms, roles and goals
• The power of clear processes and feedback tools like Pulse Surveys and the Interaction Analysis Dashboard
• How the CARD personality model helps teams work better together
• What to prioritise when shifting toward a high-performance team culture in your school

About Pete:

Dr. Pete Stebbins, PhD, is a Workplace Psychologist and executive coach, focusing on school leadership development and school improvement. He is the author of the best-selling books: ‘Leading Flourishing Schools’ and ‘iTeams: Why High Performance Teams Fit In AND Stand Out!’. Pete has many years of research and professional practice behind him and is the director of the High Performance Schools Program. His work in this space has reached 16 Countries, impacting more than 600 Schools, and over 5,500 School Leaders and their staff. Pete’s professional passions are developing high-performance teams and building high-capacity school culture.

Links and Resources:

Explore the Well-Led Schools Partnership Program

Articles Mentioned in the Episode:

• FREE RESOURCE: High Performance Team Guidebook for Educators
• Management Support Systems in Flourishing Schools: Line vs Professional Manager
• Great vs Extraordinary Schools
• Building High Performance Teams

Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.

Connect with Pete via:

His websites: www.hptschools.com/ and www.drpetestebbins.com/

Email: [e-mail]

Connect with me via:

My website: adriennehornby.com.au

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/

Email: [e-mail]

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