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Building a Championship Team
by Bob Gershberg, CEO & Managing Partner Wray Executive Search
Building a Championship Team
A great management team creates exponential impact by leading effectively and rallying their organization around a clear strategic vision. Such teams are fully aligned, acutely aware of individual and collective skills, and well-positioned to maintain a broad understanding of the organization's true state. To function at a high level, management must align on strategy and relentlessly pursue excellence.
Building a championship team requires strategic planning, fostering a winning culture, and assembling the right mix of talent and character.
Recognizing Individual Strengths
Success hinges on appreciating the unique strengths of team members. Teams consist of individuals with contrasting temperaments, talents, and skills. Balancing autonomy with social connection fosters creative tension, unlocks motivation, and enables teams to adapt effectively to new challenges.
Capitalize on qualities that employees value most—trust, freedom, and play—to build a high-performing, innovative organization.
Identifying Potential Stars
Seek out potential stars within your organization—those with high standards who are eager to contribute where they can make a real impact. Look for individuals who embrace civil debate, as constructive disagreements can strengthen team cohesion. Prioritize team members who aren’t afraid to voice their opinions but are also excellent listeners.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a critical asset. Team members who can perceive, regulate, and express emotions effectively bring tremendous value to the organization.
Embracing Diversity
Diversity enriches teams. Include members of different ages, genders, races, and backgrounds to harness a broad range of perspectives and strengths. Choose those who are committed to giving their best every day.
Setting a Clear Vision
Define what "championship" means for your team, whether it’s achieving a business milestone or dominating a competitive field. Establish a mission that communicates the purpose and values driving your team toward its goals.
Recruit individuals with the necessary skills and experience for their roles, ensuring their motivations align with your company culture. Look for versatility and adaptability—key traits of championship teams. Prioritize work ethic, resilience, and leadership qualities.
Building a Winning Culture
Foster trust and chemistry by:
Encouraging open communication and mutual respect.
Emphasizing accountability with high standards for performance and behavior.
Celebrating successes and addressing failures constructively.
Create a supportive environment by providing resources, coaching, and mentorship. Recognize and reward contributions at every level.
Leveraging Individual Strengths
Understand everyone’s unique skills and create roles that maximize their strengths. Be prepared to adapt strategies to meet challenges and stay competitive.
Emphasizing Continuous Improvement
Commit to ongoing training and development by offering opportunities for skill enhancement and personal growth. Use data, feedback, and analytics to identify and address areas for improvement. Avoid complacency by setting new challenges and goals consistently.
Leading with Purpose
Strong leaders inspire, motivate, and guide their teams while serving as role models in behavior and performance. Delegate responsibilities and trust team members to take ownership of their roles. Cultivate a mindset that embraces adversity as a growth opportunity.
Analyze setbacks, learn from them, and come back stronger. Focus on creating a legacy of sustained success, not just one-time victories. Ensure that team values extend to making a positive difference in the community or industry.
Balancing Work and Life
When building great teams, select individuals who focus on the company’s success rather than personal agendas. Choose team members who value work-life balance. Employees who work hard for the company need time to nurture their families and social lives as well.
Defining Your Path
Always address the fundamental questions:
“Where are we going?”
“How are we going to get there?”
Establish clear values, behaviors, and cultural guardrails to guide collaboration. Leaders must set the tone by modeling respect and fostering loyalty within the team. Remember, loyalty inspires loyalty.
Need Help Building a Championship Team? If you’re struggling to build a winning team, we’ve been doing it successfully for 50 years—just sayin’!
All the best,
Bob Gershberg |CEO|Managing Partner|
727 244-4113
Finding tomorrow’s leaders today!
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