PBI created the chain below to describe the relationship between communication (the "means") and high performance (the desired "ends").

An example: Our sports example involves baseball – the shortstop and 2nd baseman. When they communicate well (their strengths, preferences, etc.), they can and do commit to a higher level of collaboration. That leads to trust (the other will be on the base for the throw, back him up, etc.) and allows them to execute without hesitation. That trust breeds success which leads to even more trust and a higher level of performance.

What does this good communication look like? We think it starts with a commitment to caring about each other and effective listening. That helps team members understand each other better and feel valued (individually and as part of the team). In the initial stages, some sharing of personal information can start the trust-building process.