The Top 5 Leadership Behaviours That Drive Team Performance
Over the past three months, I’ve been immersed in the world of leadership inside the NHS - and it’s been nothing short of eye-opening. There was a sense of familiarity, but with a fresh perspective - like running one of your favourite routes when it’s covered in snow.
Coming from a corporate background, I’ll admit I had assumptions. Like many of us, my views of public sector leadership were shaped by media headlines, often overly simplistic and unfair.
But here’s what I found: the same leadership challenges I’ve seen in business exist in the NHS - only they’re amplified. The stakes are higher, the systems more complex, and the consequences of poor leadership more immediate.
And while team performance might be associated with profit, efficiency, or market share in the private sector - in healthcare, it’s about something even more urgent: patient safety, life-saving care, and groundbreaking research.
So, what have I learned? That across sectors, the behaviours of leaders matter. Deeply. And some behaviours consistently drive team performance - whether you’re in a global business or a busy hospital ward.
The 5 Behaviours That Make the Difference
Based on my work with leaders in both corporate and public settings - and inspired by the NHS Trust’s Leadership Behaviours framework and the Amazing Leaders model I developed at RS Group - these five behaviours stand out:
1. Set Clear Expectations – and Align Around Purpose
Top-performing teams don’t just “work hard” - they work with clarity.
Leaders must communicate what matters most, simplify complexity, and ensure people understand how their work connects to a bigger purpose.
🔹 From the NHS: “Set clear performance goals and quality indicators.”
🔹 From RS: “Align others around ambitious goals and check in regularly.”
2. Create Psychological Safety – and Encourage Speaking Up
Performance thrives when people feel safe. Leaders must build trust, invite different perspectives, and create environments where people can challenge, question, and contribute without fear.
🔹 From the NHS: “Create a safe environment where individuals feel able to speak up.”
🔹 From RS: “Go out of your way to find out more from those who don’t always speak up.”
3. Role Model Accountability – Without Blame
High-performing teams need leaders who set the tone for ownership. That means holding yourself and others accountable while making space for learning - not blame.
🔹 From the NHS: “Help people resolve and learn from mistakes.”
🔹 From RS: “Take accountability, even when working through others.”
4. Coach and Develop Others – Every Day, Not Just in Appraisals
Leadership isn’t about knowing everything - it’s about developing others. This means listening deeply, giving feedback often, and helping people stretch their thinking and capabilities.
🔹 From the NHS: “Act as a role model and steward for people’s careers.”
🔹 From RS: “Empower others to try new things and challenge limiting beliefs.”
5. Lead with Humility – and Stay Curious
Some of the best leaders I’ve seen are the ones willing to say, “I don’t know - what do you think?” They stay open, listen to understand, and adapt their style to the needs around them.
🔹 From the NHS: “Understand people come from varied backgrounds; challenge bias.”
🔹 From RS: “Act with low ego and listen to understand diverse views.”
Final Thoughts
In every organisation I’ve worked with - from global businesses to frontline NHS teams - one thing holds true: The way leaders behave sets the tone for everything else.
You don’t need to be perfect. But you do need to be intentional.
Start with these five behaviours. Reflect on which ones come naturally to you - and which might need a bit of conscious effort.
And if you’re ready to go deeper - to explore how coaching can help you lead with more clarity, impact, and authenticity - let’s talk.
📩 Click ‘Get in Touch’ on my profile and let’s have a conversation.
