How to assemble a rockstar team?

Building a team is not an easy job. I’m not here to brag about team building as if I had successfully assembled several such teams. I’m a beginner. I’ve assembled a team of 25 in my college. The team had done remarkable things than I have ever imagined. I am just sharing my views and things that I have encountered in the process.

What to look for?

Rule #1: Each one of us is different from the other. That’s why we are “individuals”. If a person A does a task for you, you may get the task done with person B, but the result would never be the same. So, here’s a list of things I looked for when I hand-picked folks and assembled the team.

Self-motivation

Look out for self-motivated people. They not only get things done, but they can also be relied on. They will be your best people. A team is supposed to stick together, even if you had to go out of it and only a self-motivated individual can look after the team from where you had left.

Challenge lovers

In my opinion, those who love a challenge are usually self-motivated. When you find self-motivated people, your task as a leader is to give them challenges so that they push themselves towards the goal. Set realistic, useful and proper goals.

Hire people who are better than you

Don’t hire “brilliant jerks” though. People like them will constantly push you to give them something better to work on. Also, you don’t have to teach them everything. They are self-motivated and they’d learn things on the fly and get it done.

Avoid people who don’t think or act on their own

People would need enough time to learn things. But there are people who are lazy enough to do things, even if you guide them. If you think having one or two in the team is okay or that you can change them in the course of time, you will fail, big time. Laziness is contagious.

How to stick them together?

It’s always a tough job to keep “individuals” together for a common cause. It is in the way you bring them together, and the way they feel comfortable with each other in the team. If you could find people who pass through the above listed points, they will tend to stick with each other.

Speak with each member of your team

You or your co-founder or both of you together, speak with each of your team members. Tell them the three things

• What are you planning to do?Be shameless and pitch your idea strongly. If you can’t convince your team, you can’t convince someone outside.
• Why you need them in your team?Talk about their positives. Tell them how their characters would help you in your mission.
• What can they learn from being here?Be honest about it. Promise them they will learn a particular skill set and deliver it. DON’T FAIL.

Don’t tell them improbable things. Be honest and try to project positivity in your approach.

Pave way for flat-hierarchy

Give up your ego. You should not act like a dictator after assembling a great team. Provide them with flat hierarchy and tell them that no one is above all of them. This way they would do what’s good for the team, rather than what’s good for them. Also, it is also a good way you can hear back from them how things are working. A positive, friendly team culture can be built only by this.

Make yourself approachable

A team will need you, anytime, anywhere. Always make yourself approachable when your team comes to you. Even if you can’t do it immediately, give them some time later. As a leader, the team should be one of your top priorities. Hear them out, help them when in need.

Let them make mistakes

No one is perfect, even if you had hired the smartest of people. People make mistakes and you should let them do it. That’s how people learn. Also, refrain from pointing out their mistakes in front of the team, rather be with them and come out of the problem together.

Make sure all voices are heard

Different people give different opinions. Make sure all your team members have a say in things that involve them. In a matter specific to a sub team, if a team member has something to say, sit with the sub team and this team member and make sure all opinions are heard. Hear them out even if you don’t agree with them.

How to sail through troubled waters?

Just because you assembled a great team doesn’t mean you won’t face any problem in the long run. Every team will have its own set of problems. It may be because of miscommunication or ego. As a leader, it’s your duty to resolve things.

Make sure you hear both sides of the problem

Often, I found most of the problems solve automatically when you hear them out. Sometimes, it could be a problem that came out of miscommunication or because of a difference in opinion. By hearing them out, you are assuring them that there’s flat hierarchy and that you are approachable. Also, it will enable you to provide better solution.

Don’t give them up

People make mistakes. Sometimes they may repeat it. Don’t give up on them yet. Sometimes, it is true that they experiment with themselves and different approaches. Give them enough time to give their best.

Be at the front when your team needs you

Sometimes, the team as a whole may get into trouble and would need your help. Be at the front for them. It’s you whom they can completely trust on. Don’t ever give up on your team. Fight for the team to the best.

Get some mentorship

A proper mentor would help you and your team 10 times more than you could. Having a good mentor is a moral boost for you as well as your team. The more the positive energy around you, the more good for you.

Finally,

A wise man gets more from his enemies, than a fool from his friends. - Baltasar Gracián, The Art of Worldly Wisdom, retold to me by Niki Lauda in Rush (2013)

You never know where you can get good feedback. You can even learn things from someone you hate. It’s your willingness to accept things and improve upon it. Always be open to ideas, suggestions and feedback. Without a constructive approach to criticism, you cannot learn.

Be good. Do good. Have fun building a rockstar team!

Do you have anything to say or add something? Feel free to comment below.

This article was first published here.

(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of YourStory.)