Some thoughts on "how to build a terrific team?" ~ John J. Arent

Over the years I have seen some great teams put together in sports and more importantly for our subject, the business world.  There are several key qualities that I wanted to list to help you build that "dream team".  to make this article brief, I am going to limit my thoughts to just 5 qualities...Please feel free to add more and I encourage you to do so by your comments.  Let's start with:

1. COMMUNICATION ~ You want to staff your team with people who are not afraid to speak up and offer a different point of view.  By sharing ideas respectfully, a true team can emerge.  Also do not forget that the most important part of communication is listening!
2. Blending of various backgrounds ~ As most successful investors preach diversity, it is those managers and leaders who can bring together a group of people with various bckground and insights which will help build a strong, unbeatable team.  Expand your thinking beyond just talent, but also consider culture, experience, education, geography.
3. Cultural Fit ~ In earlier articles I shared with you my thoughts on cultural fit and core values.  Do not under any circumstance allow for anyone not meeting the standards of the company to join the team.
4. Volunteer traits ~ Look for people who are active in their communities.  Generally these individuals are team oriented who are quite passionate about reaching goals.  Volunteers are generally very positive and outgoing Never forget that belief and passion is contagious.  Those colleagues who have a good positive attitude can move mountains....conversely those with bad attitudes can destroy one within minimal time.  This is especially true during times of crisis....who do you want on your team...someone who will persevere or someone who quits!
5. "Gut" feeling ~ Never lose sight of your gut feeling about people.  It rarely lies!

I hope that these ideas may "turn on the lightbulb".  In any case, I enjoyed putting my thoughts together and look forward to hearing from you....All my best!

How to gain ownership ~ John J. Arent

One of the most frequent questions that I have received from my managers and others who want to develop into managers is "How can I set goals for my direct reports that will help them be motivated?"  There may be some people who do not believe what I am about to say, but that is ok...I strongly believe that in order to motivate someone, their goals have to be generated by their inner self.  

Goals and targets are strong motivating factors for all employees but only when your employee feels that he is moving towards a goal that he/she has been a part of.  The manager can help draw out the goal and the strategies but in the end, for the goal to be truly motivational, it needs to have the employee "own" it.

Keep in mind that each employee is unique.  You need to first identify the needs of your employees to better serve them. Each individual possesses certain needs and expectation from their management.  If you are not connected and "dialed in" to your people you will more than likely off target.  Take time to get to know your people, what makes them tick and how you can best serve them!

I have written a number of articles on this subject.  Please review my entire blog and sort on team-building and employee motivation.  

I hope that this is helpful and please feel free to share!  All my best!

Be Thankful ~ John J Arent

I have been out of the loop for the past month or so and hope to continue my blog in the coming weeks.  I appreciate the many comments that you have sent to me.  With nearly 15,000 views of the blog, I am quite humbled and plan to re-engineer the blog shortly  I recently came across a quote that I wanted to share with you as a "Friday" gift...

"To be upset over what you don't have is to waste what you do have."   Ken S, Keyes, Jr.

Have a great weekend!  John