Success is Never a One Person Show

Successful organizations require a team to fulfill a dream.  Over the years, I wish I had been more intentional with understanding:

• The kinds of people I surround myself with,
• The real value of team, and
• What to look for in a team.

Yes, I evaluated, “Where do I see myself in 5-10-15 years?”  But oh how I wished I had been more purposeful in considering how to see dreams come to fruition.  I am talking about my personal dreams, my professional dreams, and our organization’s dreams.  Then I realized, it is NOT too late!  I have a choice.  I can still consider who to model after, what types of mentors are best for me, what types of associates I need (my team), and who will be my friends.  And guess what?  So CAN YOU!

The way we build teams is essential to our organization’s success.  We hear a lot about ‘team building.’  The Oxford dictionary defines this as ‘the action or process of causing a group of people to work together effectively as a team, especially by means of activities and events designed to increase motivation and promote cooperation.’  But this is not what I am referring to.  I am asking, how are you building a team of partners that is built to last?

Below are five questions I would like for you to ponder:

1. Does your team make up for your weaknesses?
2. Does your team bring out the best in you? Do they challenge you, so you are continually sharpening your skills, and does the workplace culture encourage lifting each other up?
3. Does your team help you get more done?
4. Does your team lift you up when you stumble?
5. Does your team aid and assist when attacks and criticism are dished out?

If you answered no to just one of these questions, then I would challenge you to realize that you do not have your dream team together.  Over the years, I had heard of the Modesto Manifesto and knew it was associated with Rev. Billy Graham.  What I did NOT realize was that he built a team that worked together for over 60 years.  Can you imagine the impact a team like this can have?  As a result, I began exploring what made this team so effective.  I learned five critical components.

1. Hire people who have the same values as you.
2. Choose people who are committed to living a life of character.
3. Find people who will do the right thing even when it is hard.
4. Recruit people who can handle criticism and who can remain focused under these difficult situations.
5. Look for people who are willing to take bold risks.

In closing, my hope is for you to build a successful team; one that encourages the entire body to finish well by staying true to the organization’s purpose.  I think singer/songwriter Matthew West puts it best, “If not us, who?  If not now, when?  Right now is the time.”