I am sure you will have seen a Grand Prix motor race on TV. It always fascinates me what happens at a pit stop.
22 people are involved in a flurry of instant activity. Each one specialising in a very clearly defined role, a clear task, utilising their talents… all to achieve a common aim… acting as a team… with a clear identity.
How can you replicate this in business..?
Surround yourself with great people to help you…
Your squad consists of anyone who is part of your business life: your colleagues, your team, your clients, your suppliers.
How can you make sure the squad is world class? And how can you attract the right people?
Here are what I consider to be the 7 keys to creating a world class squad;
Because, success is the journey… the journey you have mapped out… The fact that you have defined where you are heading, how you are heading there, makes you attractive. So, number one…
1. Mission, values, vision
Clear direction:
And impart that to everyone in the squad.
Common values and common goals create team identity2. Identity
Is it overt… What’s your squad called? What is the identifying element?3. Get YOUR mindset right
4. Having an attractive “shop window”
This also attracts world class people. Does your business look and behave world class? ACT it.5. Hiring people
Decide who you want… specifically. And know what role you want them to fulfil, very specifically.6. The FAME formula for keeping people
* Fun
* Appreciation
* Money
* Environment
These are all ingredients of business which attract people and make them want to stay. Are they World Class?
Each in of itself is not enough. But together, these ingredients are the recipe for creating and keeping world class people.7. Clear roles and responsibilities
Everyone wants to know what they are in the squad for. Your job as leader is to make sure everyone knows their role and their responsibility.
And expand your squad.
Think of all the other experts and support you need, in every area. So, for example, an actor or performer has a hairdresser they consider the best… and they even credit them as part of their team.
One of the best feelings in the world is to be investing in the right people around you… and even outside of the professional arena, to help you with other aspects of your life so you can focus on being the best in your professional life. Even to the extent of hiring a gardener (if gardening is not something you like doing), hiring a fitness coach or trainer, or your own Tai chi coach.
Look at what you want your life and your business to become, and hire the help you need. Build that World class squad of people around you.
Remember that your clients are also part of your squad.
Someone once said to me that “the quality of your business will rest with the quality of the people you do business with.” Wise words indeed.