Enhancing Synergy: 10 Indispensable Questions Leaders Must Answer to Activate Synergy for Peak Performance
In the 5th century BCE, Cyrus the Great of Persia led an army that transformed a fractured collection of city-states into one of the largest empires the world had ever seen. But Cyrus’ genius wasn’t just in military strategy—it lay in his ability to unify disparate groups, each with its own culture, language, and traditions, into a cohesive whole. He famously asked his generals and regional leaders one pivotal question: How can we harness the unique strengths of our people to create something greater than the sum of its parts? This question laid the foundation for a governance model that inspired loyalty and synergy, enabling his empire to flourish.
Today, leaders face the same essential challenge: How to activate synergy within teams for peak performance. In this article, we explore 10 indispensable questions every leader must answer to create this harmony, drawing on data, African examples, and timeless African proverbs to illuminate the path.
Question #1 – What Is Our Common Vision?
Without a shared vision, teams risk becoming collections of individuals working toward disparate goals. A common vision aligns everyone’s efforts and provides clarity of purpose. Research by Gallup shows that employees who understand their organization’s vision are 4.2 times more likely to be engaged in their work. A clearly communicated vision ensures that teams remain focused, motivated, and unified, especially during challenging times. It also acts as a guidepost for decision-making, helping teams prioritize tasks and resources effectively.
In post-apartheid South Africa, Nelson Mandela’s leadership centered around one unifying vision: a rainbow nation where all races could coexist in harmony. Mandela’s ability to articulate this vision turned a fractured society into a symbol of reconciliation and progress.
Dear transformational leader, remember that a single bracelet does not jingle. A team without a shared purpose cannot create the harmony necessary for success.
Question #2 – Are We Leveraging Diversity to Drive Innovation?
Diverse teams bring varied perspectives, experiences, and ideas, which are critical for innovation. According to McKinsey, diverse teams are 35% more likely to outperform less diverse ones. However, simply having diversity is not enough—leaders must actively create environments where differences are valued and leveraged. Diversity fosters creativity, helps identify blind spots, and allows for better problem-solving by incorporating multiple viewpoints. When harnessed effectively, it leads to groundbreaking innovations and solutions tailored to a broader audience.
In Kenya, the tech hub known as Silicon Savannah thrives on diversity. Local developers collaborate with international partners, blending indigenous knowledge with global best practices to create innovative solutions like M-Pesa, the mobile money platform.
Dear transformational leader, remember that wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it.Great leaders draw strength from diverse perspectives.
Question #3 – How Do We Build Trust Within Our Teams?
Trust is the cornerstone of effective teamwork. When team members trust each other, they communicate openly, collaborate willingly, and support one another. A study by PwC reveals that 55% of employees say a lack of trust is a significant barrier to collaboration. Without trust, teams struggle with miscommunication, conflicts, and inefficiency. Conversely, high-trust environments empower employees to take risks, share ideas, and commit fully to organizational goals. Trust also enhances resilience, helping teams navigate challenges more effectively.
Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery under President Paul Kagame is a testament to the power of trust-building. Community initiatives like Gacaca courts fostered dialogue and forgiveness, enabling citizens to rebuild together.
Dear transformational leader, remember that if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Building trust ensures teams stay together for the long haul.
Question #4 – Are We Communicating Effectively?
Clear communication is essential for alignment, collaboration, and execution. Without effective communication, even the best strategies can fail due to misunderstandings or lack of clarity. Data from Holmes Report shows that poor communication costs organizations an average of $37 billion annually. Effective communication ensures that goals, expectations, and feedback are understood by all stakeholders. It also fosters transparency and reduces the likelihood of errors, conflicts, and inefficiencies within teams.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first female president, emphasized transparent communication to unite Liberia during its post-civil war reconstruction.
Dear transformational leader, remember that the mouth does not eat if the feet do not walk. Communication connects effort with outcomes.
Question #5 – Are We Encouraging Ownership and Accountability?
When team members feel a sense of ownership, they take greater responsibility for their tasks and outcomes. Empowered employees are more motivated, proactive, and invested in the organization’s success. Harvard Business Review reports that organizations with high accountability experience 50% greater performance. Accountability also fosters trust and fairness, as team members hold themselves and each other to high standards. It ensures that goals are met consistently and that individuals take pride in their contributions.
In Ethiopia, Gebeya, a talent development company, trains and empowers software developers to take ownership of their careers, contributing to the region’s growing tech ecosystem.
Transformational leaders must remember that you learn how to cut down trees by cutting them down. Accountability grows through action and experience.
Question #6 – Do We Celebrate Milestones and Successes?
Celebrating achievements reinforces positive behaviors and motivates teams to strive for excellence. Recognition boosts morale, strengthens loyalty, and fosters a sense of accomplishment. According to Gallup, employees who feel appreciated are 63% more likely to stay with their employer. Regularly acknowledging milestones also creates a culture of gratitude and highlights the value of teamwork, making individuals feel seen and valued for their contributions.
The Masakhane initiative in South Africa rewards communities for collective efforts in improving local governance, reinforcing collaboration and achievement.
Transformational leaders must remember that celebrating progress keeps teams motivated through challenges.
Question #7 – Are We Fostering a Culture of Continuous Learning?
In rapidly changing industries, the ability to learn and adapt is crucial for long-term success. The World Economic Forum predicts that 50% of employees will need reskilling by 2025. Leaders must create environments where learning is encouraged and resources for development are accessible. Continuous learning keeps teams competitive, fosters innovation, and helps individuals achieve personal growth. It also ensures that organizations can respond effectively to new challenges and opportunities.
Andela, a pan-African tech company, invests heavily in continuous learning for its developers, enabling them to compete globally.
Transformational leaders must remember that knowledge is like a garden; if it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested. Continuous learning ensures sustainable growth.
Question #8 – How Do We Manage Change and Uncertainty?
Organizations must be agile to survive and thrive in an ever-changing world. McKinsey finds that 70% of change initiatives fail due to resistance or poor execution. Leaders play a critical role in guiding teams through uncertainty by providing clarity, support, and a sense of stability. Effective change management minimizes disruption, reduces anxiety, and helps teams adapt quickly to new circumstances, ensuring that transitions lead to positive outcomes.
Ghana’s shift to digital payments under the leadership of the Bank of Ghana demonstrates how clear strategy and stakeholder engagement can ease transitions.
Transformational leaders must remember that when the music changes, so does the dance. Adapting to change is crucial for survival.
Question #9 – Are We Measuring What Truly Matters?
Measuring the right metrics provides insight into what drives success and what needs improvement. Peter Drucker’s adage, “What gets measured gets managed,” emphasizes the importance of focusing on meaningful data.
In Nigeria, Lagos’ Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system tracks passenger data to improve efficiency and service quality. Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and that progress is aligned with organizational goals. Clear metrics also provide accountability and allow teams to celebrate incremental achievements along the way.
Dear transformational leader, to measure what really matters, don’t look where you fell; look where you slipped. This implies that we should focus not just measure outcomes but the processes leading to them.
Question #10 – Are We Leading by Example?
Leadership is most effective when it is authentic and sets the standard for others. Employees are more likely to emulate leaders who demonstrate integrity, dedication, and transparency. With most of the clients we have served, we have discovered that ethical leadership directly impacts team morale and productivity. Leading by example builds credibility, inspires trust, and motivates teams to uphold shared values and standards.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s integrity as Nigeria’s finance minister set a standard for accountability, inspiring reforms in public finance management.
Transformational leaders must remember that the fish rots from the head. What you do is so loud that your people cannot hear what you are saying. What you do consistently sets the tone for organizational success.
Final Thoughts
By answering these questions with clarity and purpose, you can activate synergy within your team, unlocking peak performance and chart a path to sustainable success. As the African proverb reminds us: If you close your eyes to facts, you will learn through accidents. Stay proactive, stay curious, and lead boldly.
About Dr. Abiola Salami
Dr. Abiola Salami is the Convener of Dr Abiola Salami International Leadership Bootcamp ; The Peak PerformerTM Festival Made4More Accelerator Program and The New Year Kickoff Summit. He is the Principal Performance Strategist at CHAMP – a full scale professional services firm trusted by high performing business leaders for providing Executive Coaching, Workforce Development & Advisory Services to improve performance. You can reach his team on hello@abiolachamp.com and connect with him @abiolachamp on all social media platforms.
