As a business owner, one of your key responsibilities is that of a team-builder.

In the words of Zig Ziglar, "You don't construct a business; you construct people. Then, people construct the business."

In the era of digitalisation, which has reshaped our work landscape and influenced numerous industries, the imperative of building an exceptionally efficient team has become even more pronounced. While history may have romanticised the lone-wolf entrepreneur, the contemporary triumph of businesses is undeniably rooted in the ability to form a high-functioning team.

Outlined below are eight components for constructing a resilient, united, and proficient team:

A Coaching-Oriented Business Owner

The trajectory of your success is intricately linked to your capacity for change and adaptation, rather than the current state of your business. Small to midsized businesses find themselves, perhaps for the first time, wielding an advantage over larger companies due to their agility in adapting to change.

However, the primary hurdle faced by business owners during growth lies in finding the time to navigate transformative processes while already immersed in the demands of day-to-day operations.

Accordingly, have a proven process to effectively attract, lead and retain 'responsibility takers', instead of mere 'task doers', is therefore more important than ever.

Observing a high performing sports team reveals a common thread – the presence of coaches. It therefore makes complete sense to see yourself, the business owner, as the head coach of your team - striving daily to get the best performance out of those team members who want to take on more responsibility and advance their careers and lives.

Learning how to effectively transition from a team leader to a team coach has become a significant competitive advantage. This shift is not about possessing all the answers; instead, it involves fostering an environment where the art of asking insightful questions becomes the linchpin unlocking your team's potential. Coaching involves guiding the individuals within a team towards perpetual learning (from one another and from you, the coach), fostering the growth of collective knowledge and capabilities within the team.

Collective Goals and Common Direction

Coherence is paramount. A triumphant team flourishes when united by a common vision and a shared team purpose.

Picture a rowing team where each member propels their oar in a different direction. Despite their collective effort, reaching their destination becomes an insurmountable challenge. Similarly, within a business framework, if team members pursue divergent objectives, the collective journey toward significant milestones becomes an uphill battle.

It is incumbent upon you, the business owner and head coach, to ensure every team member comprehends the team's mission and the overarching vision you're collectively striving to realise. The absence of a shared "North Star" can result in chaos, with personal goals eclipsing the broader aspirations of the business. When everyone is aligned with the ultimate objective, their individual and functional pursuits synergise, propelling the entire business forward in unison.

Well-Matched Skills in Strong Harmony

Great teams are made up of people who passionately believe in the vision, understand the importance of their contributions, and are driven to give their best. In these teams, it is essential to have trust, respect, and support for each other.

That said, it is equally important to select team members with different skills, abilities and strengths to bring in diverse perspectives and ideas. Balancing different skills, abilities and strengths is crucial to encourage smooth collaboration and also inviting constructive challenges when necessary.

Agreed-Upon Standards

Similar to how an athlete must grasp the rules of their sport, your team requires a set of guiding principles. The team's core values serves as the playbook, defining your culture and outlining the "how we do things around here" ethos.

Crafting a set of core values which inform 'should' vs 'should not' decisions for everybody sets the standards and is therefore critical.

Defined Performance Targets with a Corresponding Action Strategy

Deconstruct the overarching vision into bite-sized, achievable goals and tasks. Create a detailed schedule, incorporating agreed-upon deadlines, milestones, and assigned responsibilities for each task. Clearly define the roles that each team member will play, taking into account the additional resources needed, such as time, materials, space, support, and finances.

This approach empowers your team by illustrating how their daily contributions align with broader strategic objectives. Leverage project management tools and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure everyone is well-informed and to gauge the effectiveness and progress of the firm's efforts; as well as to let the team members know where they are either on or off track.

Consistent Commitment to Team Improvement

As a leader, your focal point should be fostering continuous performance improvement, transcending the pursuit of a single specific victory. Conduct regular reviews of the group's performance through team meetings and one-on-one catch-ups to ensure ongoing progress. Pose insightful questions such as: How are we faring? What milestones have we reached? What valuable lessons have we gleaned? Where are we encountering challenges? How can we enhance our performance? Vigilant monitoring and periodic reviews enable timely adjustments and enhancements to be seamlessly integrated along the journey.

Structure for Celebrating Achievements and Recognising Contributions

Carve out time consistently to acknowledge, reward, and celebrate both team and individual achievements. This practice serves to elevate morale and fortify the group's motivation to persist in their efforts. Tailor your celebrations to commemorate team milestones, whether it be a heartfelt 'thank you' during a team meeting or a collective gathering for a team lunch. Ensure that recognition is a steady practice, and the chosen method serves as both inspiration and reinforcement, spurring team members to sustain their positive contributions to the team's advancement.

Strong Sense of Connectedness

Remuneration alone does not translate to loyalty. Individuals crave a sense of belonging within the team, a sentiment that can outweigh the significance of their compensation. Forge an inclusive atmosphere where diverse perspectives are welcomed, open dialogue is fostered, and trust and respect are reciprocal. While challenging, cultivating this community spirit stands as a foundational pillar for a flourishing business.

Crafting a stellar team isn't left to mere happenstance; it's a nuanced interplay of art and science, delicately balancing team leadership, purpose, culture, performance, behavior, and reward systems. In this journey, keep in mind that each element harmonises with the others, forming a comprehensive ecosystem where success isn't merely a destination but an ongoing voyage.

Superior Teams are Nurtured by Superior Coaching

Observing a triumphant sports team reveals a common thread – the presence of coaches.

No sports team or elite athlete would consider navigating their journey without the guidance of a coach. The world of business follows a similar principle. The majority of highly successful business owners credit their achievements to the guidance of a coach.

If you're seeking assistance in crafting an exceptional team and building a thriving business, I extend an invitation to schedule a call with me. Let's explore coaching opportunities together at https://www.butleradvisory.com.au/time-with-trent.