6 Ways to Build an A+ Team

Steve Jobs, creator of one of the most successful companies in the world, said, “I noticed that the dynamic range between what an average person could accomplish and what the best person could accomplish was 50 or 100 to 1. Given that, you’re well-advised to go after the cream of the cream… A small team of A+ players can run circles around a giant team of B and C players.”

Jobs clearly knew what he was talking about – he led a small team of A+ players and built the empire that is now Apple. But how do you get an A+ team? Small budgets, failure to stay current and even denial are some of the reasons why business owners don’t do enough to ensure they’re building a team that can take their business to the next level.

There are many factors that owners can focus on in their business to ensure they attract and retain a top-notch team, let’s look at 6 of them.

6 Ways to Ensure Your Company Attracts & Retains an A+ Team

While you may have to invest something to get your team of A+ players, you don’t have to spend millions to make your workplace more attractive to top candidates. If needed, start with a small effort in each of these categories as your team helps to build your business.

1. Culture: Successful leaders can define their culture (what it looks and feels like to work in your organization) and they work to make sure it’s current and serving their employees. Defining your culture will help you make the right hiring choices and make for happier, more engaged employees.
2. Vision: Your team needs to know where you want the company to go if they’re going to help you get it there – make sure you’re sharing your vision and that everyone is on the same page with how you’ll get there.
3. Hire the right people: Ensure your hiring decisions are based on what the candidate can bring to the team and how they’ll fit in with the culture. If you don’t have a formal hiring process, create one. And if you do hire the wrong person, replace them quickly.
4. Training & development: Training should be comprehensive and interactive – asking a new team member to read a few manuals and then get to work won’t do. Make sure new hires are up to speed on all aspects of the business. Then provide them with continuous development opportunities.
5. Up the engagement: Give your team time to bond, opportunities to be heard, the possibility for growth into another position, and chances to hone their skills. In return, you’ll get a more engaged and productive team.
6. Recognition & rewards: People crave positive feedback. Ask each team member what motivates them and use that information to reinforce excellent performance.

Building a happy, highly-productive team is critical to the growth of your company, but it’s one of the areas where many owners fail to excel. Team members must be hired based on talent and then given clear expectations and feedback on their productivity, both through coaching and positive reinforcement. Sound easy? It’s not.

6 Common Causes of Poorly Performing Teams

If any of these scenarios sound familiar, it may be time to work on the 6 factors above to ensure you’re attracting top talent.

1. Disengaged minimalists: Employees are doing just enough to get by or actively spread discontent. There is a lack of inspiration and individuals are not motivated to give their best.
2. Unclear vision: Could your employees give an elevator pitch of your vision for the company? If you’re not sharing your vision, how will your team take you to the next level?
3. Lack of hiring process: No formal hiring process leads to inefficiency and hiring mistakes. You may forget to ask the right questions or fail to convey the expectations of the job.
4. Lack of training: Employees are expected to “figure it out”. Training takes time and investment, but when employees don’t get it, trial by fire can end up costing more.
5. No room for growth: How many of your employees have a real opportunity to move up in the company? Most employees are looking for opportunities to grow.
6. Dictatorship: Your employees want to have a say, but they don’t get a chance. You do a lot of talking, but not enough listening.

Bottom Line

The caliber of your team members has a tremendous impact on your business. Owners who focus on building an A+ team and who utilize that team to build their business are able to grow to new heights. Are there any areas where you can improve to ensure you attract and retain an A+ team?