Building the environment for success!

Looking at the teams that I have led and been a part of during my last 30 years in business. I wanted to see what were the things that made us successful and made a difference in someone's life.

There are those that feel that it is important to have highly degreed, strong "A" type personality to be able to compete in the world of business. I wondered at the thought that if we were all in that category how would we be able to harness the strength of diversity? How would we compete in an environment where business leaders have a wide range of experiences in different industries, and countries? Culture dictates environment and directs actions worldwide.

There have been times during my career in leadership roles where I hired people that did not fit the mold or sometimes even the job description, that we tend to use when determining who will be successful in a role. I found that one of those hires proved my point explicitly. 

This individual hardly spoke English, had no experience in my industry, but had sales experience selling vacuum cleaners door to door! He knows who he is, and he became one of my leading salespeople in the staffing industry. I quickly put myself in his scenario and wondered if while I considered myself a seasoned marketing person, if I would be able to sell even one of those vacuum cleaners when I had to do it door to door. His strength and the conviction or the necessity for this candidate to succeed was so great that he made it happen. If the carpet wasn't dirty, he threw dirt on it to be able to clean it up. I laughed thinking that must have been a sight. 

Degrees, job titles and experience doesn't predict success. Building an environment where we can highlight the qualities of success in any industry and mold it to our own is key. In that instance I sat this person that I hired in a desk across from me for what I said would be 6 months. He was able to witness what had made me successful in dealing with clients in many fields. I bought him a mirror and put it on his desk. He probably thought I must be crazy, and I am sure he hated it.  We used him as a small tool to get him to watch his face as he spoke English on the phone dealing with non-bilingual clients. We both watched as he was able to relax while on the phone watching his expression and how his demeanor eased his uneasiness at this new business for him. We both laughed as I pushed him and gave him leads that were mostly non-Hispanic. He was able to ignite that same drive and motivation to succeed in this new environment. At the end of the 6 months I told him ok now we can move your desk to another area where you won’t have me listening to you. He smiled and said, its ok I like it here learning from you. I moved him anyway! I knew that the key to our success was to allow him to thrive in his new knowledge and skill sets we developed through the 6 months. He became my top producer winning many awards in the National Staffing agency where we worked.  As the years passed, he went on his own to start his own business where he has been very successful.

We all have the power to transform and teach the things that we know about our industries. Taking chances on the power that is inherent in an individual rather than looking to see if they fit a Job Description that should be used as a measure of safety in the workplace.

Action items that I used in developing a successful team.

• Training and Development
• Clarity on Goals
• Expectations on Performance
• Building a Safe Environment
• Celebrate Accomplishments
• Reward Success and Improvement
• Be a Mentor

When all is said and done elevating a person's spirit or hidden talents through our mentorship is priceless in any industry. As we move through today's market and the shortage of talent, let’s look at all the talent that may have been waiting just for you to make a difference in their lives. By 2026 statistics show that 50% of the work force will be 65-74, and 91% will be over 74. Maybe this is the hidden gem that we need to look at. Establishing ways to hire those that still need an opportunity at a 2nd career.

*When you need to Hire Your Next Industry Star!

Please call Maria Martinez @ TEAM Concepts