Ever been on a dream team?

I have. Twice.

Last Friday morning began according to schedule, with a department meeting promptly at 9. But I started this one a little bit differently: by sharing gratitude. With 18 people in our department, one can imagine we've had our share of turnover, especially after going through a company reorganization like we recently experienced. After lots of hiring and rebuilding, for the first time I can remember in more than 3 years, we finally have a full team.

It definitely feels good to not be understaffed, but it's so much more than that. Our company puts a lot of effort into hiring people who are great fits. I've put a ton of energy into this over the past few years. I always say, "if it's not a 'YES!' it's a no." (I learned that the hard way.) It's really challenging sometimes because you genuinely like some of these applicants and they could technically do the job, but there's just something you can't put your finger on that doesn't line up and you have to decline them. Being so particular about new hires is as much a benefit to the applicants we don't hire because no one wants to work somewhere that doesn't meet their needs. If we can detect that it's not the right fit, it would be wrong to put any of us through it.

Anyway, not only do we have a full team, but right now we have a GREAT team! Everyone gels, people are friends outside the office, they're driven and ambitious, interesting and talented. All of them! They ask questions, share their goals openly, and don't complain. They're problem solvers. I've had the pleasure of working with a lot of fantastic people and this doesn't devalue any former team members. We've always had a good team, but every time someone leaves or a new person joins, the team dynamic changes. And right now it's stellar.

So I started this meeting by sharing these thoughts with the team and thanking them for being who they are and for what they bring to the team. I told them that I can look back at my career and remember when I was part of a dream team. It wasn't the '92 US men's Olympic basketball team, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience with incredible people that I will never forget. In fact, even though none of us work together anymore, we're all in touch and make an effort to see each other and get together still. So I told my team about that and really emphasized that they should recognize what they have right now. I told them I hoped that one day they'd all look back on this time and reflect on how special it was.

I'm not sure if it really sunk in with them. I'm not sure if they feel as strongly as I do. I may not have complete visibility to every little thing going on (I understand sometimes people don't want to share things), but I have a lot of visibility across the whole team and deal with issues most of them are never aware of. I really hope I don't jinx us, but when you recognize something as special as what we have right now, I think I'd rather take the risk, express it, and hopefully share some lessons that impact others.

Here's what I hope people take away:

1. Hiring the right people, not just anyone, matters. Know your needs. Be thoughtful when interviewing. Be patient. If it's not a YES!, it's a no.
2. A positive attitude and approach to problem-solving are everything. Stay curious. Always assume positive intent. Keep your composure. Collaborate with your team.
3. Don't take your reputation for granted; it will be remembered. It could open doors to future opportunities (or lock them closed). Don't sacrifice your integrity or character for short term gains. Build and foster strong relationships, beginning with your current colleagues.