Harry S. Truman once wrote, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” This is a sentiment echoed throughout the business world. Successful business leaders understand that in order to get things done they need to surround themselves with the right people. A leader’s focus is fulfilling business objectives. Who completes the work and receives the credit is not important.
When building an effective team, the team members will depend on the project requirements. However, in many scenarios, it is worth ensuring the following skills are accounted for.
1. The IT Bod
There are few (if any) instances when good IT skills are not required. IT is at the heart of every business and having personnel in place who understand not only the processes and systems but can integrate them within multiple levels of business and mitigate risks, is invaluable. Therefore, having a member of staff with a Masters in IT or similar, who possesses these skills will ensure your systems and processes support your objectives and maximize output.
2. The Creative
Creative people think differently. They are not confined to convention and norms. They think out of the box, providing new insights and widening options. Therefore having a creative individual on the team will enable you to find new solutions for difficult problems.
Creative people tend to be flexible in their approach and inspire others through their passion and enthusiasm. They will identify opportunities and take your business in unexpected directions.
3. The Organizer
Having a team of smart and creative individuals who understand the objectives is essential. However, without someone to bring all of the ideas, solutions, and actions together, in a timely and appropriate manner, the project is likely to fail. Enter the organizer. This person will be used to managing others, creating plans, and establishing timelines. They will be objective focused and help complete the work to time and budget.
4. The Doer
A doer is someone who doesn’t overanalyze or overthink solutions. Their focus is on getting the job done. This person is likely to be hard-working and time-orientated. When a meeting is veering off course, the doer will bring the focus back to the tasks at hand.
5. The Finance Person
Most projects would be successful if budget wasn’t an issue. But unfortunately it is. All businesses must operate efficiently in order to succeed. A financially-minded individual will establish an appropriate budget and keep a tight reign over resources.
6. The Account Manager
The account manager will sit between the team and the client. Their job is to ensure the client is happy and that their needs are met.They will explain the processes in detail and relay thoughts and concerns. They are also the first point of contact when issues arise.
Account managers are excellent communicators. They have exceptional listening skills and can understand and translate client objectives into achievable tasks. Successful account managers will also secure future ongoing work from that account.
The downfall of many startups and small businesses is due to owners working in the business, rather than on the business. That’s why it’s so important for a successful business leader is to secure a competent and effective team.
