Building and engaging with your team Margery McBain, Managing Director of Gravitate HR I
f are reading this you are likely to be an entrepreneur with a team or thinking about building a team. Before you make too many decisions I would like to share some insight and thoughts with you that may influence the steps you take to source the ingredients of a successful team.
The chances are you have passion, energy and excitement for your business and that is why it has got off the ground and gained some momentum. Some people will be attracted by that dynamism and inspiration and want to work with you and be part of the success.
The trick is not only to retain and nurture that interest but also to understand it is unlikely that an employee will ever be as passionate about your business as you.
You may need to moderate your expectations and be realistic about their level of commitment.
Over time your team will expect the employment provisions in place that you would find in any other business. In truth this makes managing expectations much clearer and less open to mis-interpretation. It is a good idea to have contracts of employment and a series of small but clear policies or statements that guide routine matters like holidays, absence from work, overtime entitlement, expenses, working away from home – or whatever is applicable. In this way people know what is expected and are more likely to work within the boundaries and thus avoid unnecessary conflict.
Working in a small team can be incredibly empowering, responsibility can be shared and people can really grow and develop when given opportunities.
Seeing others come with you is one of the most
rewarding experiences of growing a business. They will follow you, especially if you show thoughtful leadership, considered direction and decision making. You might not always get it right but listening, learning, and leading is likely to engage and inspire.
What engages and holds a team together – in good times and tough – is their belief in what they are doing and the shared values of the business. Spend time with your team to tease out what is important, what the business stands for and how that culture is visible to them and others. This could be the glue that holds you together, allows others to be attracted to your business and ultimately to stick with you.
Three ingredients for a high performance and long lasting team
It is your passion, energy and excitement that got your business off the ground. And it is that dynamic that will inspire people to work with you. The trick is to keep them after the honeymoon is over.
My final thought
Moderate your expectations and be realistic about the level of commitment of your staff. No matter how much you inspire them it is unlikely that an employee will ever be as passionate about your business as you. Accept this and you will avoid much heartache!
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