Reaching Team Potential: Insights from the Connected Teamwork Podcast with Paul Reitz

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Connected Teamwork Podcast, co-hosted by Hylke Faber and Carson V. Heady , where we explore the essence of building truly connected teams.

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Reitz , CEO of Titan International, Inc. , to uncover the secrets behind creating a cohesive and high-performing team.

From the parallels between sports and business to the importance of trust and feedback, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for leaders striving to foster genuine connectedness within their teams.

• "In sports, business, or life, if you have a connected team, you're going to do much better than a more talented but disconnected team, 100% of the time."
• "Trust comes from actions, and actions take time. It's not about slogans; it's about consistent behavior."
• "The best feedback is the feedback that absolutely hurts because it pushes you to grow and improve."
• "Building a strong team starts with you. Your actions, consistency, and willingness to admit mistakes set the foundation for trust."
• "Focus on the high performers. By elevating them, you lift the entire team, creating a wave that even the underperformers will ride or leave."

With over 15 years of experience in the executive suite, Paul shares his journey and the pivotal moments that have shaped his leadership philosophy.

Sports and Business: A Winning Combination

Paul emphasizes the invaluable lessons he learned from sports, which seamlessly translate into the business world. "In sports, business, or life, if you have a connected team, you're going to do much better than a more talented but disconnected team, 100% of the time," he states. This principle underscores the importance of fostering genuine connections within a team to achieve collective success.

Trust: The Foundation of Team Success

Building trust is not about catchy slogans or motivational posters. Paul insists that trust comes from actions, and actions take time. "It's not about slogans; it's about consistent behavior," he explains. For leaders, this means demonstrating reliability and integrity day in and day out, setting a strong example for their teams.

The Power of Painful Feedback

Feedback is a crucial element of growth, and according to Paul, the best feedback is the kind that stings. "The best feedback is the feedback that absolutely hurts because it pushes you to grow and improve," he says. Embracing tough feedback and using it as a tool for personal and professional development is a hallmark of successful leaders.

Lead by Example

For leaders facing disconnects within their teams, Paul offers a simple yet profound piece of advice: start with yourself. "Building a strong team starts with you. Your actions, consistency, and willingness to admit mistakes set the foundation for trust," he asserts. By leading with humility and openness, leaders can cultivate a culture of trust and accountability.

Focus on the Winners

Rather than expending energy on underperformers, Paul advocates for prioritizing the high performers. "Focus on the high performers. By elevating them, you lift the entire team, creating a wave that even the underperformers will ride or leave," he advises. This strategy not only boosts overall performance but also fosters a positive and motivated team environment.

From the importance of trust and feedback to the power of leading by example, Paul's experiences and wisdom provide a roadmap for building high-performing and cohesive teams.

As you reflect on these lessons, consider how you can implement them within your own team. Remember, true connectedness starts with you.

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