Creating a Team

"Teamwork is so important that it is virtually impossible for you to reach the heights of your capabilities or make the money that you want without becoming very good at it."
  --- Brian Tracy

Those of us that started out business by ourselves appreciate when we reach a point when we can bring someone else on board. It is sometimes a difficult decision whether we keep running the show alone or spread the load to others for the sake of the business --- and our sanity. There is no right or wrong decision as there are countless sign companies that are one-person shows and are very successful in their field.

If the decision is made to bring others to the party, the players now become part of a team and there is a paradigm shift from the all-in-one coach, player, trainer, and equipment handler, to a team of members sharing responsibility.

"The best teamwork comes from men who are working independently toward one goal in unison."
  --- James Cash Penney

This new relationship should be managed like a team. Most any sports team can be used as an analogy. If it is a football team, all players have roles and responsibilities and each player must perform to the best of their abilities in order for the team to win. In business, each team member must know what their role is and know how to carry-out their duties so that their contribution propels the entire team toward success.

"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision; the ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results."
  --- Andrew Carnegie

As with sport's teams, there must be a leader that coaches and guides the team members. That person must give direction and create a vision for the team to follow. As the leader, he or she must set expectations, but also know the limitations of each team member and should work to improve any weaknesses a team member might have by providing education and training. The leader is looked upon by the team as the one who sets the course or path for the business to travel.

"None of us is as smart as all of us."
  --- Ken Blanchard

However, the leader should also be of good character and humble enough to know that each team member contributes toward the success of the company, treating each member with dignity and respect.

"We must all hang together, or assuredly, we shall all hang separately."
  --- Benjamin Franklin

Finally, while the team members have a responsibility to the business, (knowing that their contribution not only drives the business toward success, but also determines whether they see next week's pay check), the leaders must understand their responsibility for their team members. The well-being of each member (that the leader has spent time, energy and money bringing on board!), should be of concern for the leader. Separate from a printer, cutter, computer, or truck, these assets come equipped with a brain and a heart, both of which are required for the success of your business.

"The strength of the team is each individual member...the strength of each member is the team."
  --- Coach Phil Jackson Chicago Bulls

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