Most entrepreneurs develop the idea or solution to a problem alone but quickly realise that starting and growing a business from that idea would require additional help.
Not a lot of individuals have the wherewithal to handle all the moving parts of a business — solution development, finance, operations, marketing, manufacturing, legal and insurance and more. Building and growing a successful business requires a working team. In fact, building a team is just as difficult as working out the solution to an idea.
A team that cannot work together or is made up of the wrong set of individuals would stunt business growth, no matter how great the solution is.
How To Build A Team For Business Success
- Clearly Define Roles
Every member of your team needs to clearly understand their job description — what is required and isn’t required of them. When this is not made clear, progress, efficiency and the morale of your employees will be affected. Remember to update task list and roles frequently.
- Set Actionable Goals
When setting the goals for your team, you need to ensure that they are realistic and geared towards the achievement of the long-term goal. Include deadlines and milestones, and create opportunities for team members to work together.
- Place Equal Value On Each Role
If an employee feels that their role in your business is considered unnecessary or undervalued, it can affect employee morale and reduce efficiency – as the employee can mentally check out and complete tasks mechanically. Treat each member on your business team equally.
- Communicate
The best way to drive home the value of each team member is to communicate and maintain a level of transparency with all team members whenever possible.
- Extend Your Team Beyond The Business
Your team can be made up of more than just the individuals you directly hire; it can exist outside the walls of your business premises.
For example, you can:
- Leverage on your outside contacts to identify problems early.
- Engage guest speakers to meet with your team.
- Get a team coach.
- Share development ideas with customers and key business partners and get their feedback.
Replacing A Team Member
Having to let a team member go is not an easy task, but in some instances, you might have team members who are causing more harm to your business than good. The employee(s) in question could be experiencing personal or financial problems – if this is the case, then you would have to tread carefully and follow local laws, especially the ones pertaining to employment rights and privacy. Get the help of a professional when necessary.
However, before you fire a team member, make sure that you have tried every other option, including third-party mediation services, written and a verbal warning. Letting a team member go should be a last resort – make sure to follow local legislation if you decide to take this option.