Building Thriving Start Ups: Well-Balanced Team
When I first read about the Gallup book, Born To Build, as a hockey coach for years, my thoughts jumped immediately to building a well-balanced team of players.
Wait. Hold on a minute. I need other coaches to help. Don't forget, I need a well-balanced leadership team first.
The reality, a lone entrepreneur or sports coach, needs others around them to be successful. Many studies show that ventures started, managed, and lead by teams are more sustainable and successful than those with solo founders.
Well-Balanced Team
Taking your idea to a service or product requires both direct connections—colleagues, friends, and family—and indirect connections—your extended network of investors, mentors, employees, vendors, and the larger community.
Your network involvement and commitment from each member can shape your initial service or product, open new markets and even doors to resources. They will improve your ability to thrive and survive.
"There's no such thing as a well-balanced leader... only a well-balanced team" —Dr John C Maxwell
Using a talent based perspective, you can build a well-balanced leadership team including a Rainmaker, Conductor, and an Expert. You must carry the same intention to the extended team. This is your network of various stakeholders and partners who are invested in your success.
The people side of your venture is more important than your product, strategy, or funding.
The Problem
Too often builders pick co-founders and early partners from their family, friends, and colleagues. They're similar in skills, educational background, work experience, and demographic characteristics.
Working with people just like you does reduce the likelihood of conflict, it creates emotional and social support, and makes it easier to access resources.
But homogenous teams also limit a builder's world by restricting access to diverse human and financial resources. Both are critical for growth.
As much as sameness has its benefits, different competencies or work experiences, and different ways of thinking or handling problems on a team are so key for growth.
Just as a sports coach starts to build his roster every year with the right players, a work builder has the same challenge.
Next week we'll look at the Team Talent Profile. An assessment to better understand the talent distribution on a leadership team and how we can build a well-balanced team in work and sports.