Here's how you can choose the right team members for a business strategy project.

If you already have a successful strategy project team in place, then they should easily be able to adapt for any project. But you may need to add one or two members with specific skills for an unusual project. Openly discuss with your team whether there are any skills that would strengthen their efforts -- or whether they need any upskilling for the project. To ensure good collaboration, have a good mix of personality types. You need pragmatic optimists who are comfortable discussing any topic or situation to obtain project success. Also ensure your basic team is one of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), with a comprehensive team mindset and culture. For sure, make the team 50-50 male-female to obtain the best results.

Evaluating the project's requirements involves understanding the goals, deliverables, and constraints. It’s crucial to identify the technical skills needed, such as proficiency in specific programming languages or technologies, as well as strategic skills like project management and business acumen. You need individuals who can solve technical problems and make informed decisions that align with business objectives. Look for team members who can adapt to changing circumstances and think critically about the project’s impact on the broader business landscape. This holistic approach ensures the project’s success from both a technical and strategic standpoint.

Primero, es importante tener claro qué habilidades y experiencia se requieren para el proyecto. Esto puede incluir conocimientos del sector, habilidades analíticas, creatividad, liderazgo, etc.

Start by thoroughly understanding the specific requirements of your business strategy project. Break down the project into phases and identify the key competencies needed at each stage. For example, early stages might require market research expertise, while later phases could need strong financial analysis and operational planning skills. Use tools like a skills matrix to map out the required skills and match them with potential team members. This ensures that you have a clear blueprint of the expertise needed to drive the project forward effectively.

Start with what are the most important deliverables of the project to then make the assessment of what skills are you going to need to make it happen. It's this combination of deliverables and skill set that really gives you an idea of how you're going to prioritize the skill sets and the people with those skill sets that you're going to bring into the project.

Diversity in skills is crucial for building a team that can achieve the project's goals and vision. It’s essential to have a blend of creative thinkers and analytical minds. One often-overlooked aspect is the entrepreneurial mindset—those who are willing to take risks. Despite all the data collected, decisions often come down to taking calculated risks. How do we evaluate these risks, and which ones are we prepared to take? Including a risk-taker on your team can extend your project's vision and push the team beyond the confines of the data.

Busca un equilibrio entre diferentes perfiles y perspectivas. Un equipo diverso en términos de experiencia, género, edad y antecedentes puede aportar ideas más innovadoras.

A diverse set of skills within your team is crucial for covering all aspects of the project. Look for individuals with a mix of analytical, creative, and strategic thinking abilities. For instance, combining a marketer with a deep understanding of consumer behavior with a financial analyst who excels in cost management can create a powerful synergy. Encourage cross-functional collaboration to leverage these diverse skills effectively. This blend not only fills knowledge gaps but also fosters innovation by bringing different perspectives to the table.

Our hearts will intuitively gravitate towards similar personality types as you are. You might get along well but results may not be as good. An overarching trait you need across any personality type is the mindset to question and discuss issues openly. Yes, madame types hardly qualify to be good team contributors let alone in strategic endeavors. Same way as you would select people with various technical skills for a project, it is important to select people with different and many times opposing soft skills: Creativity vs. Analytical Thinking, Risk-Taking vs. Caution, Visionary Thinking vs. Detail Orientation, and Persuasiveness vs. Active Listening. Balancing these ensures effectiveness.

If you can, spend the time to define what is going to be the best combination of personalities for the team to be successful. I find that this is normally a luxury because the skill set required is very narrow as well as the number of resources is limited. In a perfect world, personality would be one of the major variables that is considered when setting up the best team for the project to succeed.

Busca un equilibrio entre diferentes perfiles y perspectivas. Un equipo diverso en términos de experiencia, género, edad y antecedentes puede aportar ideas más innovadoras.

Busca personas con habilidades que se complementen entre sí. Un equipo diverso con una variedad de fortalezas y perspectivas suele ser más efectivo que uno homogéneo.

In a recent project, I saw firsthand the magic of a well-balanced team. We had a natural leader, Jane, who kept everyone motivated and aligned with our goals. Meanwhile, Jon, our detail-oriented analyst, ensured no mistake slipped through the cracks. Then there was Taylor, our adaptable problem solver, who thrived in uncertainty, always ready to pivot our strategy when market conditions changed. (names changed) This blend of personalities not only made our project successful but also created a vibrant team culture. Diverse minds drive dynamic results. Invest time in understanding your team’s personality strengths to ensure a balanced and dynamic project environment - while creating a resonating deliverable.

Incorporate a mix of experienced professionals and fresh talent in your team. Experienced members bring invaluable industry insights and expertise, while younger team members offer fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. This blend can foster a dynamic environment where traditional knowledge meets modern thinking. Mentorship opportunities within the team can also promote knowledge sharing and continuous learning, benefiting the entire project.

Ensure that the team members are genuinely committed to the project’s goals. Conduct one-on-one meetings to discuss their alignment with the project’s vision and their willingness to invest the necessary time and effort. Look for signs of enthusiasm and a proactive attitude. Commitment is critical, especially during challenging phases of the project. A dedicated team is more likely to persevere through obstacles and contribute positively to achieving the project’s objectives.

You can look for indicators of dedication, such as past project involvement and their ability to meet deadlines consistently to check their commitment. Regular check-ins and progress reviews can help maintain accountability and address any issues promptly.

The biggest challenge for startups to attract right talent at right time. Nowadays most of the people are very casual because their attention or let's say switching jobs for something perks is at top. But by the perspective of individual to check the commitment to the company or startup is very important.

The best way to promote the habit of continuous learning is by encouraging knowledge sharing sessions where team members can present new insights and skills to the group. It creates a natural flow of expertise from top order.

A forward-thinking business strategy centered on continuous learning starts with establishing a culture that prioritizes ongoing education and professional development for all employees. Implementing structured learning programs, mentorship, and access to industry resources ensures that team members are consistently updating their skills and knowledge. By embedding continuous learning into the company's core values, the organization can stay competitive, innovative, and responsive to market changes.

Select team members who are dedicated to continuous learning and professional development. Business strategies evolve, and so should your team’s skills. Encourage a culture of learning by providing access to industry resources, training programs, and workshops. Individuals who are proactive in updating their knowledge and skills will help the team stay agile and responsive to new trends and technologies. This commitment to growth ensures that your team remains competitive and innovative.

I’m finding that our society is uncomfortable with direct and honest communication- providing an environment that encourages strategic thinking must include the “I’m ok, you’re ok” concept for true collaborative synergy to be beneficial in foundational project's.

Bring on people who are perpetual learners. Those who are curious and constantly eager to improve are vital to a company's success. With new discoveries and methodologies constantly evolving, you need a team that is interested and proactive in adapting and growing as well.

Look for team members who are eager to learn and expand their skills. This can contribute to the team's overall growth and adaptability and ensure that team members share a common understanding of the project's goals and vision. This alignment can help maintain focus and drive progress

Beyond specific skills needed for project team success, I assess: - why they want this position: in limbo just waiting for a bigger, bolder, better job? - can they lighten up & not take everything personally… life can be short & then you could die & no one ever wrote on their tombstone… if I only worked harder & longer… Juneism: are they comfortable without fighting every battle?

Recuerda que la composición del equipo puede evolucionar a medida que avanza el proyecto. Mantén una comunicación abierta con los miembros y ajusta el equipo según sea necesario. Con el enfoque adecuado, podrás construir un equipo ganador para tu proyecto. Un buen consejo a tomar, es que después de evaluar las habilidades y actitudes, también confía en tu instinto sobre quién encajará mejor en el equipo. La intuición suele ser una guía valiosa.

Beyond the specific skills and attributes mentioned, consider the cultural fit and long-term potential of team members. Assess their motivations for joining the project and their ability to stay resilient under pressure. Look for individuals who are not just skilled but also bring a positive attitude and a collaborative spirit. Additionally, fostering an environment that encourages open communication and honest feedback can significantly enhance team cohesion and project success. Remember, a cohesive and motivated team is the backbone of any successful business strategy project.

Rather than you choosing, let the team pick itself? This demonstrates lots of business issues including openness! Put out the criteria for the team - list the characteristics and the opportunity for personal growth and creating a significant impact to the organisation. You’ll be surprised who applies and who maybe doesn’t. It will also help you manage your unconscious bias! Does it work? Every time!