The Rules of the Game: Building High-Performing Business Teams

When you watch a high-performing sports team or an outstanding artistic performance, what you’re really seeing is more than just talent and skill.
Behind the scenes, success is built on clear agreements, the often unwritten rules that determine how people come together, collaborate, and handle the little things that matter.

In business, the same principle applies. At Entrepreneurial Business School (EBS), we call these agreements the Rules of the Game.
They’re simple behaviours and standards that, when consistently followed, transform a group of individuals into a cohesive, high-performing team.

Why “Rules of the Game” Matter in Business

Every business owner wants stronger teamwork, higher productivity, and better outcomes. But these don’t happen by chance, they’re the result of clarity and alignment.

Without agreed-upon behaviours, teams risk slipping into inefficiency, miscommunication, and unnecessary conflict. With them, you create a shared culture that:

• Builds trust and accountability

• Encourages clear communication

• Strengthens team cohesion

• Keeps everyone focused on the common goal

What the Rules of the Game Look Like

At EBS, some of the core “Rules of the Game” include:

• Punctuality – arriving on time for meetings and commitments

• Engagement – participating fully in discussions and decision-making

• Respectful feedback – giving and receiving input constructively

• Conflict resolution – addressing challenges openly and professionally

• Shared responsibility – ensuring every team member upholds their role

These rules aren’t complicated, but they are powerful. When everyone plays by them, the team operates with greater focus, trust, and efficiency.

How to Implement Rules of the Game in Your Business

1. Define them clearly
   Identify the specific behaviours and standards you want your team to commit to.

2. Gain buy-in
   Involve your team in setting the rules so they feel ownership, not obligation.

3. Make them visible
   Write them down, display them in meeting rooms, and revisit them regularly.

4. Hold each other accountable
   Encourage your team to uphold the rules consistently, leaders included.

5. Review and refine
   As your business grows, revisit the rules to ensure they’re still aligned with your culture and goals.

Final Thought

If you’re looking to strengthen your team’s performance and lift productivity in your business, start with the basics. Establishing the Rules of the Game creates the foundation for success, ensuring your team is aligned, focused, and working together toward a common outcome.

At EBS, we’ve seen time and again that when business owners implement these rules, they don’t just get better teamwork, they unlock higher performance across the entire business.