Building a 9+ Team

”Coming together is a beginning.

Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success.”

- Henry Ford

The 2010 NFL draft was held this week and there was a lot of tremendous football talent available. When selecting players, teams drafted players based on the organization’s need and what they wanted to accomplish.

As a leader it is essential that you build a team you can rely on to help your organization achieve its business goals. Establishing a profile of the kinds of team members you will need in order to execute your business strategy is critical to the team meeting its goals. For example, if you are running a fast-paced organization it will be important that you find members that have experience and a proven track record for operating in that type of environment. Do not compromise!

While working for a small construction company, I was able to develop a team of high-performing people that allowed us to double our business for 4 straight years. How? By assembling a 9+ Team with the following characteristics:

Adaptability
Adaptability is essential to growth and development as a leader. When I started my job at the construction company, I started as a project manager and worked my way up through the organization. Adaptability allowed me to respond to the demands at each level.

WIT (“Whatever It Takes” to get the job done)
Although a balanced life is the goal, sometimes it takes an investment of early mornings and late nights to achieve the objectives of the organization. It is not about working from 9-5.

Communication
Follow up communication in writing is important. This way all parties involved in the conversation have a clear idea what is expected. I once had a manager who took notes at each of our meetings. Before the end of the day I would receive an e-mail with a list of the things she had committed to and what I had committed to, including deadlines.

Preparation
Always be prepared and you will never be scared. Success is not an accident, it comes through diligent preparation.

Accountability
There are a lot of people who make excuses and look to place blame. All of us make mistakes. The true leader is the one who will accept the responsibility for their actions.

Passion
“Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.” Confucius
People who love what they do possess an inner drive to be the best!

Problem solving
The ability to come up with creative solutions to challenges of the business is essential.

Championship attitude
Champions are dependable, (They show up). Champions are committed to the team. Champions never give up in the face of the obstacles. Champions are disciplined.

What are the characteristics of your 9+ Team?