Article Contributed by Dr. Joey Faucette
You have been on a team before and wondered, “Why am I on this team?”
Or, you’ve hired someone, put him on the team, and asked, “Why did I do that?”
Regardless of which side of the hiring desk you find yourself, there is a guaranteed way to insure you make a Work Positive Dream Team decision. It focuses on three often overlooked yet key components to building the best possible team.
Here are your 3 Keys to Build a Work Positive Dream Team:
Core Values: Why do you do it?
As you’re hiring, this key question focuses on the why of the team, the motivating values that power the team functions. As you’re interviewing, identifying your why is as important a question as you’ll ever ask yourself.
It’s at this core value level that teams become Work Positive Dream Teams or Work Negative Nightmare Teams.
Be honest about your core values. Avoid declaring a pie-in-the-sky team value like integrity when you know it’s more of an ends-justify-the-means culture.
Also, be clear. Avoid saying, “I take personal responsibility” if you’re more of a “cover-your-backside” team member.
Be authentic. Whatever values you ascribe to yourself or the team in that first interview are what you must bring.
Know and communicate well why you do what you do.
Priorities: What do you do?
Ever interview for a position, understand your priority tasks lie in one area, take the job, and two weeks in realize you’re doing little of it?
Or, interview someone, analyze a certain skill set for an hour, and discover there was nothing more?
“We just need someone who can blah blah blah” is a recipe for a team nightmare. Build your Work Positive Dream Team by first listing the tasks and functions of the position. Second, give a time percentage of day and week for each one. You clearly identify the priority role on the team as you do.
Find your Work Positive Dream Team by listing your best strengths and interests. Ask what percentage of time you’ll spend on each. You clearly identify your priority role on the team as you do.
Know and communicate well what you do and the expectations of the position.
Unique Contribution: Who are you?
Having answered the first two questions about your team or yourself, this third question virtually answers itself.
“Here’s who we are with regard to what we need you to do best and why” describes the team position.
“Here’s who I am with regard to what I do best and why” clarifies what you bring to the team.
It’s at this intersection that you discover the unique contribution required by the team and offered by the prospect.
If the respective answers shake hands well and complement, you are creating a Work Positive Dream Team together. Congratulations!
About the Author
Dr. Joey Faucette is the #1 best-selling author of Work Positive in a Negative World (Entrepreneur Press), Positive Success Coach, & speaker who helps business professionals increase sales with greater productivity so they get out of the office earlier to do what they love with those they love. Discover the free webinar about the coveted 7 Weeks to Work Positive Coaching Program at www.GetPositive.Today.