Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Building Your MSP's Winning Leadership Team

Growing up in Chicago, the windy city, I was immersed in a culture that breathes sports. The city's passion for its teams is palpable, from the die-hard fans of the Bears braving the winter chill at Soldier Field to the sea of red and black cheering on the Bulls at the United Center. As a lifelong fan, I've been a part of these crowds, sharing in the triumphs and heartbreaks, the highs and lows that come with being a part of this vibrant sports community.

It’s these moments where I appreciate the power of teamwork – how a group of individuals, each with their own unique strengths, could come together to achieve a common goal. I saw how they supported each other, celebrated each other's successes, and picked each other up after a defeat.

This lesson in teamwork wasn't just confined to the football field. It also extended into my professional life, shaping my approach as an MSP owner. In the world of MSPs, just like in Chicago sports, building a strong leadership team is not just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have. Whether it's breaking through growth plateaus or reaching new levels of success, a strong leadership team is the key. And just like the best sports teams in Chicago, the best MSPs are those that harness the power of teamwork to achieve their goals.

The Cornerstone of Success: The Leadership Team

In the world of MSPs, a robust leadership team is the cornerstone of a thriving MSP, driving growth, innovation, and long-term success. But how do you go about building this dream team? It's not unlike assembling a championship sports team. It requires careful selection, strategic positioning, and a shared vision.

The Blueprint: Defining Leadership Roles

The first step in building your dream team is to define the key leadership roles needed in your MSP. These roles are like the positions on a sports team; each has specific responsibilities and qualifications that contribute to the team's overall success. Just as a football team needs a quarterback, a receiver, and a linebacker, your MSP needs a CEO, a sales leader, an operations leader, and a financial leader (or some similar combination).

Scouting Talent: Evaluating Internal Potential

Just as a sports team scouts for talent, you should look within your organization for individuals who have the potential to fill these leadership roles. Assess their skills, experience, and alignment with your company’s vision. Identify any skills gaps and provide training or development opportunities to prepare them for leadership positions. It's like training a rookie to become the next star player.

Drafting the Best: Outsourcing or Hiring Externally

Sometimes, the best players aren't already on your team. If you don’t have suitable candidates internally, consider outsourcing or hiring externally. Look for individuals with relevant industry experience and a track record of success in their respective fields. Ensure they align with your company’s culture and values. It's like drafting a player from another team who has the skills and experience you need.

Creating the Playbook: Establishing a Reporting Structure

A clear reporting structure is like a playbook for your leadership team. It establishes how the team interacts with one another and with the CEO, ensuring clear lines of communication and accountability, enabling effective decision-making and execution. Just as a football team needs a playbook to coordinate its strategies, your leadership team needs a clear reporting structure to guide its actions.

Empowering the Team: Trust and Support

Once you have your leadership team in place, it's time to step back and let them play the game. Empower them to make decisions and take ownership of their respective areas. Trust their expertise and provide the support they need to succeed. Foster a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages open communication and teamwork. It's like a coach trusting his players on the field.

The Dream Team: Five Personality Types

Just as every successful sports team has a mix of different personalities and skills, your MSP dream team should also have a variety of personality types. Let's look at five personality types, each represented by a famous athlete from Chicago:

1. The Michael Jordan (The Competitor): Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships and earned five MVP awards. His competitiveness and relentless drive to win are legendary. In your MSP team, the Competitor is the one who always strives to be the best, pushing the team to reach new heights and never settling for less than excellence.

2. The Walter Payton (The Workhorse): Walter Payton, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, was known for his extraordinary work ethic. He played his entire professional career for the Chicago Bears. The Workhorse in your team is the one who is reliable, hardworking, and always willing to put in the extra effort to get the job done.

3. The Tamika Catchings (The Resilient): Tamika Catchings, a former professional basketball player for the Indiana Fever of the WNBA, was born with hearing loss. Despite this, she became one of the greatest players in the history of women's basketball. She was born in Mississippi but grew up in the Chicago area. The Resilient member of your team is the one who never backs down from a challenge, is adaptable, and maintains a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity.

4. The Kim Ng (The Trailblazer): Kim Ng, currently the General Manager for the Miami Marlins, is the first woman to hold this position in Major League Baseball. She started her baseball career as an intern with the Chicago White Sox. The Trailblazer in your team is the one who is not afraid to break barriers, challenge the status quo, and pave the way for others.

5. The Kendall Coyne Schofield (The Speedster): Kendall Coyne Schofield, a U.S. women's national ice hockey team member, is known for her speed and agility. She was born and raised in Palos Heights, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The Speedster on your team is the one who is quick to react, always on the ball and brings a sense of urgency to the team.

Ready to Build the Winning Team?

Building a leadership team is essential for MSPs looking to scale and achieve long-term success. By defining leadership roles, evaluating internal talent, establishing a clear reporting structure, and understanding the different personality types that make up a dream team, you can assemble a winning team that drives growth and innovation. Remember, a strong leadership team is the foundation for a thriving MSP. So, are you ready to assemble your dream team? Just like the great sports teams of Chicago, your MSP can become a champion in its field with the right people in the right roles.