Starting With the Team

Not sure who ‘leaders’ lead, when they don’t have the right people on the team.

Our small company is very good about evaluating and nurturing talent — and keeping good people for a long time. We are famous for hiring the right people even when we don’t need them. Talent does not grow on trees. And it is difficult to come by when you need it the most.

I will take personal responsibility for making some BAD hiring choices at work, and at my University. A critical skill? Parting amiably when the ‘fit’ is wrong. The deadwood must go, as should those who may be smart, but don’t share the vision.

Effective leadership is about assembling the right team, investing in their success and then watching the business blossom. Treating employees as a vehicle to get rich is bad business. Making light of other peoples’ livelihood can be even worse — it usually results in bad Karma.