4 Tips for Building a Strong Team by Cindy Stradling CSP, CPC
One of the most critical components of building a successful business is assembling a team of professionals who can support you in your endeavors. When you have the right team of people, the journey is easier, more successful and more fun. Here are four tips for finding the right people. 
- Look for a common character trait. Consider the trait you believe is most important for success in the business in which you’re working. Is it tenacity, perseverance, communication skills? Choose the trait you consider non-negotiable, and ensure everyone on your team possesses this trait.
- Look for diversity. Once you’ve determined the non-negotiable skill, look for people who are different from each other in other ways. A diverse team will challenge each other and bring different skills to the table. When you have a diverse group of people, there will be debate and healthy discussion. This helps ensure your team is always looking for the best way to do things, and that members are always learning from each other.
- Choose people who are looking for growth. Growth comes in many fashions. Some members of your team may be young, and looking to climb the corporate ladder. Others may be a bit older and looking to grow in a more personal way by challenging themselves to do something new. Choosing people who believe they have something to learn and who want to learn something new ensures members of your team will always be striving to do more.
- Look for people you can trust. Being able to trust your team is critical, and entails several different aspects. You, of course, want to be able to trust them to be honest with your company’s customers and money. However, you also want to be able to trust them to tell you bad news, when required. Hire people that you believe will have your back, and that of your business.
Keep these four ideas in mind as you interview potential team members. Consider not only how the new team members will work with you, but also how they’ll work with others already on the team. Once you’ve made a few good hiring choices, you’ll have an even better handle on the type of people you need to continue building a thriving and successful team.