ABOUT THIS EPISODE
What really makes a high‑performing team and why do so many businesses get it wrong?In this episode of HR Untangled, Helen sits down with Scott Smith of People Spark Solutions for a lively, insightful and surprisingly relatable conversation about what high performance actually looks like in today’s unpredictable workplace.Together, they break down the biggest myths around high‑performing teams, including the assumption that “good skills = great performance,” and explore why psychological safety, personal connection, and purpose are now the real drivers of team success.Scott shares eye‑opening real-world examples from his leadership development work across the UK and Ireland—covering everything from generational differences and evolving workplace expectations to accidental managers, burnout, and the dangers of relentless pressure. You’ll hear why one‑to‑ones are the golden thread of high performance, how to give feedback that actually lands, and what happens when managers avoid the tough conversations (spoiler: nothing good).Expect stories about giraffes, pub‑based onboarding, ultra-marathons, and learning to embrace the “silly moments”—all woven into a genuinely practical guide for building teams that perform and stay healthy.Whether you're a business owner, line manager, HR professional or someone trying to untangle the messiness of team culture, this episode is packed with practical insights you can put into action straight away.If you want to get in touch with your own HR Issues that need untangled get in touch we want to hear from you. This is a @HerdsMedia Podcast Production.
