The majority of companies I work with tell me during our initial meeting that they have a great team. Their definition of “great” usually means something like being trustworthy, competent, working hard, and following the boss’s directions.
And while those are all wonderful traits to have, sometimes I smile inwardly; sometimes I am truly skeptical. Sound harsh? Well, it’s not meant to.
My skepticism stems from the observations I make during my introduction to the leadership team, a true representation of the company.
The subtle eye roll when a team member speaks.
The hint of a smirk when another person asks a question.
The intense shoe studies that take place when a team member provides a lengthy explanation to a simple “yes” or “no” question.
I even had a prospective client pound the table because I gave the person the correct answer rather than the one the individual wanted.
What Characterizes a Truly Great Team
Great teams are ones that have synergy, resolve their issues through open and honest communication, and don’t engage in office politics.
We all want to think the best of our employees and leadership team, and look past those occasional weaknesses or negative attitudes. But in order to move your company to the next level, you need to be honest and realistic about your team’s strengths, as well as their areas for improvement.
Is Your Leadership Team Truly Great?
One way to determine if you have a great team is to start with your leadership team, and determine if they GWC their role.
GWC stands for:
- Get it – they truly understand why their role exists in the company
- Want it – they get up each morning ready to come in and achieve the accountabilities of their seat
- Capacity to do it – they have the talent, skills, and expertise to add the best value to your company
Now I want you to think about your role as the CEO/Owner/Head Honcho of your company. Then envision yourself disappearing from the company without any opportunity to tell anyone you are vanishing, without any opportunity to do one more thing today, without any opportunity to clear off your desk or respond to that urgent email that just came in. I think you get the picture. Immediately one of the most highly sought after CEOs on the planet appears in your office to lead your company. What would that super CEO find unacceptable about your team? What one thing would that super CEO change?
Are you ready to create great teams within your organization?
Take the Next Step
- Start solving company issues early and quickly! Download free EOS tools
- Build a great team by becoming a great boss—download a free chapter of How to Be a Great Boss
- Request a free 90-Minute Meeting with an EOS Implementer to get a clear picture of what it looks like to run your company on EOS
This article originally appeared on the Pure Direction blog on July 5, 2016.
