Picking A Team? How To Make Sure You Have The Right People In Your Corner

Do you ever wonder what was going through Nick Fury’s mind when he was picking a team? Or any other person that created something as great as the Avengers? Did they just pick people with quirky personalities who presented as misfits and hoped they would work well together?

While some strategies work box-office great in movies, they do not play well in real life. And if it does, it’s rare. My point? Don’t take chances when picking a team. Remember, as their leader, their failures will be yours.

Considering your failures are your own, too, it’s a lot of risk to leave it to fate and a good speech. As a leader looking for success through delegation and collaboration, you need to treat picking a team like a leadership task.

That means no random selections, putting in research, considering the big picture, and, most importantly, avoiding bias with every bone in your body.

Sounds easy right? Well, the stakes are high, and you need to put your best foot forward. And there is no shame in getting help. Take this guide for instance; it outlines some excellent tips for picking your dream team.

Ready to assemble? 

5 Tips for Picking A Team Effectively

Examine The Skills and Requirements

Do you know what you are looking for? Yes, you are making a team, but what for? What will all your team members do? Do they have individual roles? And if so, what skills are needed? What requirements must they have for the team’s success?

Do you need someone with an engineering background? Or someone with basic computer knowledge? Do you need a worker who’s done this before, or is the first-time rodeo guy a better fit?

These are questions you need to ask yourself and find answers to. A lot of times, the success of a team greatly depends on whether the people you bring to the table have what it takes to get the job done.

A good place to start when picking a team is examining the skills and requirements for successfully completing the project or achieving your goals.

Then you can use it as your guide in picking the team members—ensuring you have the person with the right skills for the job. 

Set Team Goals

While this part may seem less important than actually picking a team, setting goals may help you narrow down your ideal people. Goals can give insight into the project demands, including things like working overtime, traveling, attending meetings, and going to networking events.

By outlining the team’s goals, you can better identify the kind of people who would be fit for certain roles or lifestyles. If this is a long-term project, it is important to have an effective from the start.

In addition, goals help unite the team by giving them a shared mission. It’s better to have these ready for when you eventually pick your team. And an even more important thing to do is share your expectations for each member. 

Outline Your Expectations

As the leader, it is important for your team to know exactly what they are getting themselves into. If you need them to cross the ocean with nothing but a bathtub and bed sheet, make sure they know it is expected.

When picking a team, break down the expectations of each team member, or at least the core, if you are leading a large group. 

I know it sounds tedious, and you are already asking why, but it is worth it. Outlining expectations does two things. One, it helps you visualize the person in their role. If you have no idea who could possibly do a certain task, outlining your expectations may give you an idea or clearer vision.

The second thing it does is let the potential team members know what they are getting themselves into. This way, they can determine if their capabilities can match your expectations. In the long run, this will encourage accountability among your team.

Plan For Diversity And Balance

You are a modern leader and should have a modern workforce. This is the kind of thing that takes your team to the next level—diversity and balance.

Always consider diversity when picking a team. You should want a group that can present different perspectives, experiences, and ideas.

In one of my favorite shows, Dr. House fired the guy who had the same ideas and thinking patterns as him—a shoo-in—because he did not want someone who would tell him what he was already thinking. He needed difference and resistance.

So take a page out of this not-rulebook and aim for diverse team members. Don’t have too similar or too conflicting team members. Go for different people with varied backgrounds, cultures, opinions, etc. 

Assess The Fit and Potential

Finally, always assess the fit and potential of your A-list. The first thing to do is ensure they meet your qualifications and skills. Sometimes, picking a team also means conducting interviews. Get to know the people who will be working for you.

Alternatively, you could spend a day observing how they work, communicate, and interact with others. You may not see their strengths and weaknesses until you work with them, so do not skip this step.

Additionally, you can find out their availability and the kind of lifestyle they live to see if it meets the project’s demands. Also, ask them about their career goals. 

The goal is to ensure you pick the right people without altering their lifestyles, going against their personal goals, or overbearing them with tasks they cannot handle. You want people who will benefit and grow from joining your team. So be keen, considerate, and kind.  

Final Thoughts on Picking an Effective Team

In conclusion, treat the task of picking a team with care. While I did not mention it, it’s important to have people with additional strengths. For example, you need someone who can communicate effectively and is self-driven. It also helps to have creative problem solvers who are organized, respectful, and have core teamwork skills.

Remember, a project is only as successful as the people who participate in it. So take time building your Avengers, making sure they are diverse and motivated to accomplish your vision.

Find the people who are willing to do their jobs well, help each other, support your direction, tell you ‘no’ when you need to hear it, and are always looking for ways to be better and make things happen.

That’s how you build the dream team. 

About Author

Waithira Njagi is a seasoned wellness and relationship content writer with nearly a decade of experience. Her passion for helping others navigate the complexities of personal growth and connection shines through in her engaging and insightful writing.
With a knack for distilling complex topics into easily digestible pieces, Waithira's work is geared toward readers seeking guidance and inspiration on their journey to holistic well-being.
When she's not crafting engaging articles, you can find Waithira curled up with a stack of romance novels– always rooting for love to win– or enjoying quality time with her beloved family. Her dedication to spreading love and positivity is evident in everything she creates.

Waithira is here to remind you that life, much like their stories, is a tapestry of connections - to loved ones, and the endless adventures found in books.

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