Building Great Teams Starts with Better Conversations

By Elisia Coetzee, Director of Strategic HR Australia and a highly experienced Human Resources and Industrial Relations specialist

One of the things I enjoy most about facilitating roundtable discussions is that no matter how much experience there is in the room, everyone walks away with a different perspective. As the facilitator, I might guide the discussion, but I always leave having learned something too.

That was certainly the case at the recent Business Women Australia Roundtable Conversation in Perth on Building Great Teams.

The room was filled with experienced women leading businesses across a range of industries. Although every business was different, it quickly became apparent that many of the people challenges we face as leaders are remarkably similar.

As we explored attracting, developing and retaining great people, one theme kept resurfacing: 

The importance of having the conversation.

Whether it is providing feedback, clarifying expectations, addressing performance, holding people accountable or navigating conflict, difficult conversations rarely become easier by waiting. More often, they become bigger, more emotional and more difficult for everyone involved.

One of the strongest insights from the discussion was that many workplace issues are symptoms rather than the root cause. More often than not, the underlying issue is unclear communication, expectations or leadership.

As leaders, we often assume people know what success looks like, understand what is expected of them or recognise when they have fallen short. Yet assumptions can create frustration on both sides. Taking the time to ask questions, clarify expectations and genuinely listen often changes the direction of the conversation.

Another topic that generated a lot of discussion was accountability. Many leaders think accountability begins when something goes wrong. In reality, accountability starts much earlier. It begins with being clear about what needs to be achieved, who is responsible and by when.

One question we discussed that I have found to be incredibly powerful is: 

“What specifically are you committing to do, and by when?” 

It is a simple question, but it creates ownership. Rather than telling people what to do, it invites them to take responsibility for the outcome.

We also spoke about the importance of staying curious. When something hasn’t gone to plan, our first instinct can be to assume we know why. Instead, we can ask questions. 

‘Can you help me understand what happened?’

‘What got in the way?’

‘What support do you need?

The quality of the conversation often changes because the quality of the questions changes. Being curious doesn’t remove accountability. It helps us understand the situation before deciding what action needs to happen next.

Another interesting reflection from the morning was how our role as leaders changes as our businesses grow. Early on, we solve most of the problems ourselves. As our teams grow, our role shifts from doing the work to enabling others to do it well. That requires clearer communication, better delegation, greater trust and the confidence to have conversations early rather than putting them off.

The biggest reminder for me was that building great teams isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating an environment where expectations are clear, accountability is understood and conversations happen early. 

Building great teams doesn’t happen through policies or processes alone. They are built through consistent leadership, meaningful conversations and the courage to address issues before they become bigger problems.

Sometimes the most valuable thing we can do as leaders isn’t provide the answer—it is simply to ask a better question.

About Elisia Coetzee

Elisia Coetzee is the Director of Strategic HR Australia and a highly experienced Human Resources and Industrial Relations specialist with more than 26 years’ experience supporting organisations across Australia. 

She is a qualified mediator, executive coach and licensed investigator, with expertise in workplace investigations, employee relations and other sensitive people matters. She holds an MBA and postgraduate qualifications in Human Resource Management and Industrial Sociology.

Initially leading HR functions in complex operational environments, Elisia has spent the past 13 years consulting across a broad range of industries as founder of Strategic HR Australia. She partners with business leaders to build compliant, high-performing and people-centred workplaces, providing senior, fractional HR leadership without the overhead of a full-time hire.

Known for her practical, grounded approach and guided by her core value of True Grit, Elisia supports leaders to navigate people matters with confidence and care, balancing structure with humanity and compliance with culture. Her work helps businesses move from reactive people management to intentional, sustainable leadership.

If you’re navigating the challenges of growing a team, balancing culture with compliance, or simply need practical HR advice, I’d love to help.

Book a complimentary 15-minute Teams meeting to discuss your business, your team, and any workplace challenges you’re facing.

As a special offer for Business Women Australia readers, you can also access our Complimentary HR Compliance Audit and Report via this Link. The audit provides a snapshot of your current HR practices across five key areas, together with practical recommendations to help strengthen your people practices.

Choose a time to chat with Elisia via her Booking Calendar here:  15-min-free-consultation

About Business Women Australia

Business Women Australia (BWA) is a vibrant national collective of women from all sectors, industries, and professions. With a fast-growing group of more than 20,000 followers, BWA provides access to:

1. A supportive network of professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
2. Professional development programs, leadership masterminds, and retreats.
3. Inspiring podcasts, webinars, and thought-leadership events.
4. Opportunities to collaborate, connect, and grow.

BWA’s vision is to elevate women with knowledge, influence, and connection, helping members achieve their full potential both professionally and personally.

👉 Join today and be part of a national movement of women making an impact.

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