A successful team is the foundation of any successful business. But what does it take to create a team that can weather any storm and come out on top? We asked some of the most successful business leaders in the country for their top tips on creating a winning team. Here’s what they had to say.
Define roles and expectations early on.
“One of the most important things you can do when putting together a team is to clearly define roles and expectations from the outset,” says Karen Lawson, CEO of K2 Enterprises. “When everyone knows exactly what is expected of them, they are more likely to perform at a high level and work together effectively.”
Hire for fit, not just skills.
“It’s important to hire people who share your company’s values and will be a good fit with the existing team,” says John Jerry, CEO of J Companies. “Skills can be taught, but it’s much harder to change someone’s personality or core values.”
Communicate, communicate, communicate.
“The key to any successful relationship is communication, and that’s especially true when it comes to teams,” says Mike Simmons, CEO of The Pennington Group. “Make sure you’re regularly communicating with your team members, so everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals.”
Encourage transparency and openness.
“In order for a team to be truly successful, there needs to be a culture of transparency and openness,” says Sarah Jameson, CEO of Sixty6 Media. “Encourage your team members to speak up if they have ideas or concerns, and make sure they feel like their voices are being heard.”
Focus on building trust.
“The cornerstone of any successful team is trust,” says David Becker, CEO of Becker Communications. “If your team members don’t trust each other or feel like they can’t rely on each other, it will be very difficult for them to work effectively together.” Instead, focus on building trust by creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and thoughts freely. only then will you be able to create a truly successful team.
Creating a successful team is essential for any business that wants to thrive. By following these tips from some of the country’s top business leaders, you’ll be well on your way to putting together a winning team of your own. Remember: define roles early on, hire for fit over skills, encourage transparency and openness, focus on communication, and build trust within your team—and you’ll set yourself up for success.
