
Are you building the right team for sustainable business growth?
There is a big difference between hiring to fill a need and intentionally building an A+ team designed for sustainable and scalable growth.
Building the right team can seem overwhelming at times, but it’s also one of the best investments you’ll make in your business.
I frequently get asked how I find such incredible people and I have found that there are 5 key things that work well for me and the businesses I partner with.
I break it down in Episode 221 of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast where I dive into:
- How to be patient and proactive in hiring
- Getting crystal clear on role needs and values
- Assessing for more than just skill when interviewing
- Long-term thinking: hiring beyond today's needs
- Crafting a solid onboarding strategy
Tune into Episode 221 of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast or keep reading below.
Top 5 Tips for Building an A+ Team for Sustainable Business Growth
Creating a successful business isn't just about having a groundbreaking idea or a solid customer base.
One of the essential elements is building a team that can support and drive growth in a sustainable manner.
Here, we break down some effective strategies for constructing an A+ team that fits seamlessly into your business framework.
Patience in the Hiring Process
When it comes to hiring, patience truly is a virtue.
While it can be tempting to bring someone on board quickly, especially if you feel your team is stretched thin, rushing can lead to less optimal decisions.
You might miss warning signs or settle for someone who's only "kind of" right for the job.
Taking your time to find the perfect fit can lead to better outcomes in the long run.
Clarity on What You Want
Having a clear picture of what you're looking for in a candidate is crucial. If you're searching for someone to take charge of your social media, be specific about the platforms and types of content they'll work with.
For example, do you need someone skilled in video editing for YouTube, or is your focus more on LinkedIn and Instagram?
Being clear on these details ensures your hire aligns with your business needs, rather than just fitting in based on the candidate’s existing skills.
Culture Fit and Skills
While skills are important, they're not the end-all-be-all.
Culture fit, attitude, and alignment with your team’s values play significant roles in building a cohesive and high-functioning team. Skills can often be taught, but integrating someone into your team's culture takes time.
I always emphasize the importance of finding candidates who embody the team-based values we've established.
This helps ensure a smooth transition and contributes to a harmonious work environment.
Hiring for the Future
Always think ahead when hiring. You need to look beyond just addressing an immediate gap or need.
Consider how the new hire will fit into your company's future as it grows.
Will they be able to adapt to evolving responsibilities?
Consider enrolling them in training programs or certifications to help them become deeply integrated into your business's methods and systems.
Solid Onboarding Plan
A strong onboarding process is essential. It can significantly influence how new hires acclimate and perceive their roles within your team.
Ensure you have a detailed plan that outlines the expectations for their first day, week, and ninety days.
This approach should include meeting with team members, starting hands-on work early, and progressively learning their role.
Action-based learning helps new employees commit what they learn to memory, providing a solid foundation for future tasks.
Appreciating Your Existing Team
While focusing on bringing in new talent, don't overlook the team you currently have.
Often, existing team members will take on additional responsibilities during the hiring process. It’s important to acknowledge their hard work and let them know that changes will be temporary.
Show appreciation for their dedication and patience as they help integrate new members, which reinforces a positive, supportive culture within your organization.
Implementing these strategies is part of the journey towards building a team that not only gets the job done but aligns with your vision for the business.
Fostering a culture where people thrive and grow plays a fundamental role in sustainable business growth.
by Crista Grasso
Crista Grasso is the go-to strategic planning expert for leading global businesses and online entrepreneurs when they want to scale. Known as the "Business Optimizer", Crista has the ability to quickly cut through noise and focus on optimizing the core things that will make the biggest impact to scale a business simply and sustainably. She specializes in helping businesses gain clarity on the most important things that will drive maximum value for their clients and maximum profits for their business. She is the creator of the Lean Out Method, 90 Day Lean Out Planner, and host of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast.