Understanding the dynamics in your team.
We recently recruited a new member to the team which is fantastic. During the recruitment process we obviously looked at skills, would this person have the competencies to perform the role?
But more importantly, we looked for a culture and value fit. We’re a small team, after all, and it’s critical we all get along and complement each other in terms of strengths and weaknesses.
I am happy to say, we found the perfect person.
However, the last few months as the team adjusted to the new arrival has not always been smooth sailing.
In any small business, when you add another dimension to a team, you create the potential for the perfect storm. Personalities may clash, older staff members may resent the intrusion of a new member, and they may even feel threatened. Will they perform better than me? Will they take my job? Roles and responsibilities may become unclear.
However, as leaders, it’s our responsibility to manage the team through this change so that they end up stronger at the end of it. It’s our job to avoid the perfect storm happening.
So, as a team, we’ve been discussing our personality types, how we like to be communicated with, how we communicate ourselves with others. We’ve encouraged open discussion. We’ve worked together to make sure we are all clear on who does what, and when. We’ve challenged each other but we’ve also laughed a lot, which is great.
Because, as a business owner, it’s not enough to expand your team, you need to grow them too, alongside your business.
Is team really a challenge for you? Take our quick 3 minute Next Level Assessment Quiz to find out, and then book your complimentary coaching session to chat about the results and how to take things forward in your business.
