Unlocking Your Team's Potential: Lessons From A CEO
By Mykola Tymkiv for Forbes
Building a successful team is a process that has a beginning but never really ends. Even when all the roles are filled, external stress and environmental changes continually present new challenges that change the way leaders manage their teams and inspire their members. As the CEO of Gismart, leading over 240 people, I firmly believe that in order to build something meaningful, it is critical to recognize the significance of a strong, unified team that thrives together.
Trust: The Cornerstone Of Success
While hiring for values and culture fit is essential, my first and foremost goal is to build trust. Trust is the foundation of any successful team, and it cannot be achieved in a short period of time. Trust is a long-term investment that ensures smooth communication, collaboration and decision-making. To identify trustworthy individuals during the hiring process, we use a variety of methods, including behavior questionnaires, interviews and pre-recruitment tests. Understanding how potential team members react and reflect on their past experiences helps us determine their ability to take responsibility and avoid mistakes.
Fire In The Eyes: Passion As The Driving Force
My second critical factor is finding individuals with a fire in their eyes—a genuine desire and passion for the project, the team and the industry. While experience is valuable, the energy and commitment that individuals bring to the table play a significant role in determining their potential for success.
Diversity: A Key To Innovation
A successful team is a diverse team, going beyond gender and age to encompass various points of view, experiences and backgrounds. Embracing diversity allows us to challenge the status quo and avoid living in an echo chamber. It may take more effort to manage diverse experiences, but it is essential to drive innovation and growth.
Growth: Empowering Team Members
Providing opportunities for your team members to challenge themselves, grow and advance is a fundamental responsibility. Leading by example and investing in personal growth sends a powerful message that encourages team members to follow suit. I always endorse growth and education, and I’m willing to invest time, money and personal effort to build the team’s expertise and see them grow.
Radical Candor: Fostering Productivity And Communication
To foster a productive and harmonious work environment, I believe in adhering to the principle of radical candor. This means avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy and policies that inhibit open communication. By encouraging transparency and honest feedback, teams can solve problems quickly and efficiently, and avoid wasting time on speculation.
Agile Leadership: Navigating Change And Building New Teams
Leaders need to be able to adjust quickly, make timely decisions and be resilient and innovative in the face of change. During such times, new teams may be formed, while some individuals may be let go. An agile leader is sensitive to these changes, communicates openly with the team and fosters a culture of inclusion and collaboration. By enabling their team to see challenges as opportunities, and providing a clear sense of direction, agile leaders are confidently navigating uncertainty and building thriving teams.
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Joining An Existing Team: Building Solid Foundations
When joining an existing team, having a welcome meeting and getting to know the people before focusing on their roles is essential. Understanding the team's culture before introducing changes or making decisions will ensure a smoother transition and help you avoid unnecessary difficulties.
Continuous Improvement: The Attitude Of A Leader
Regardless of where you stand as a leader, whether you're a new manager or a C-level executive, adopt an attitude of humility and continuous improvement. Aspire to be the best version of yourself, and remember that holding a particular role doesn't entitle you to it. It is your responsibility to provide clarity about the rules of the game, goals and fair rewards and penalties.
Prioritize Mental Health And Well-Being
In times of uncertainty, team members may experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety. As a leader, you should prioritize mental health and well-being by offering free recreational resources, psychological support and regular check-ins with Human Resource Managers. Promoting a healthy work-life balance contributes to a happier and more productive team.
Recognize And Celebrate Achievements
In uncertain times, it becomes even more important to recognize team accomplishments. Celebrate milestones, big and small, to foster a sense of accomplishment and motivation within the team. Recognition and appreciation reinforce a positive team culture and boost morale.
Final Words
In conclusion, building and leading a successful team requires a combination of trust, passion, diversity, investment in growth and radical candor. As the CEO of Gismart, I remain committed to fostering an environment where teams can thrive, work together and achieve remarkable results. Together, we will continue to create meaningful and impactful products that resonate with our audience.
