Friendship & high-performance teams
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business world, organisations are in constant pursuit of high performance. Leaders invest in cutting-edge technology, streamlined processes, and structured performance frameworks. But one of the most overlooked drivers of sustained high performance is something deeply human: friendship.
At Nine Yards, we believe that great people experiences don’t just happen—they are intentionally designed. And when it comes to building high-performing teams, fostering real, meaningful connections between employees isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’—it’s a necessity.
So, what happens when meaningful connections are the starting point not the end goal?
As with many founders, the Nine Yards story is not different. The three founders (Simone, Rochelle & Ciara) were colleagues and friends who had a great business idea. Over WhatsApp messages and lunches the spark of an idea became a reality in 2020. And, while many organisations strive to cultivate aspects of trust, respect and psychological safety that was core for the Nine Yards team from Day 1.
Instead of learning about each other’s lives, we were already embedded in them. We knew each other’s families, shared common interests and supported each other in significant life moments. The key foundations of friendships were strong. We had each other’s back. Trust was high. Support was paramount. And, fun and laughter was always a part of the mix.
And five years later, as we have scaled our business, friendship is still the cornerstone of how we operate. Why? Because we know connection is what matters, and when times get tough (remember COVID?) strong relationships help you navigate the course.
These relationships are reflected in how we engage with our clients – the relationship and experience is a priority. We are bespoke, flexible and have open conversations about their needs (for example, if we think a client is at a stage where they need less support, we will have an open conversation about that). In fact, over 90% of our clients are referrals showing the impact of this genuine care and authenticity.
Friendship is part of our DNA, and we truly believe it is something that sets us apart in terms of our approach & performance.
And the data backs this up, Gallup data suggests that people who have a ‘best friend’ at work, have lower turnover rates & higher engagement (The Increasing Importance of a Best Friend at Work). Given data from 2022 from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare suggests 1/6 Australians are feeling lonely, cultivating connections in organisations seems to be a clear opportunity to leverage.
Friendship in the workplace isn’t just about having a lunch buddy or someone to chat with at the coffee machine. It’s about trust, psychological safety, and mutual respect—three key elements that drive high performance.
Trust Fuels Collaboration – When people trust each other, they communicate more openly, share ideas freely, and support one another. In a high-trust environment, team members feel safe taking risks and pushing boundaries, which leads to innovation and problem-solving at a higher level.
Psychological Safety Enables Growth – Google’s famous Project Aristotle study found that psychological safety—the ability to speak up without fear of embarrassment or retribution—is the most critical factor in high-performing teams. Genuine friendships create an environment where people feel valued, heard, and safe to be themselves.
Mutual Respect Creates Accountability – When colleagues care about each other on a personal level, they hold each other accountable—not out of obligation, but because they genuinely want to see each other succeed. This accountability fosters commitment to team goals and a shared sense of purpose.
How Leaders Can Foster Workplace Friendships
While friendships can’t be forced, leaders can create the conditions where they naturally develop. Here’s how:
Encourage Authentic Connections – Create opportunities for employees to get to know each other beyond their job roles. Team offsites, informal catch-ups, and shared experiences help break down barriers.
Model Vulnerability and Openness – Leaders who share their own experiences, challenges, and successes set the tone for genuine human connection.
Prioritise Team Rituals – Regular check-ins, celebrations, and traditions build a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Hire for Cultural Add, Not Just Cultural Fit – Teams thrive when they are diverse in thought, background, and personality, yet aligned in values and mutual respect.
Role model the right behaviours – great leaders have low ego, they roll their sleeves up and get on the tools when their team needs them. This creates a sense of team work and connection.
High Performance Starts with Human Connection
At its core, high performance isn’t just about individual capability; it’s about how people work together. And the strongest teams aren’t just colleagues—they are friends who challenge, support, and bring out the best in each other.
At Nine Yards Consulting, we help organisations create great people experiences by designing cultures where connection and collaboration thrive. If you’re looking to build a high-performance team, start with the foundation that makes it all possible: friendship.
Let’s go beyond the transactional and create workplaces where people—and performance—flourish.