Guest Author - Sharlene Thomas

Knowing the team players you have available on staff will determine the success of your business projects, plans, and future. The most effective team will have a group of people exhibiting at least five of the personality types described below.

Smaller businesses will require some doubling up and the sole practitioner will have to possess all these skills, in addition to outsourcing or volunteers to do what’s needed.

A Team of Nine Effectively Balances Productivity

It's nice to believe that you are capable of doing everything, yourself. That may be true if you're running a hotdog stand; but, even the modestly successful frank-and-bun entrepreneur has to know how to wear all the hats running a business requires.

The sole proprietor of the larger bricks-and-mortar business not only juggles all the hats while on the job but retains attorneys, accountants, and other consultants to help with new ideas, objectives, and problems.

Everyone has a job on a team and, at different times, yours may change depending on the need for certain skills above others. But, first, let’s look a little closer at the mix needed.

Getting Started - Three Initiators

The Idea Person – For a business to keep up with the competition, the creative thinking of the Idea Person is on spot. Everything they see inspires a new approach and ideas flow like lava. These are your problem-solvers, generating new ways to meet the demands of a changing world.

The Idea Runner -- Without follow-through, ideas are nothing more than wishful thinking and a great way to pass the time. But, give the Idea Runner a little time and – miracles happen, doors open, challenges are met. This team member seems to know everyone capable of getting the job done and loves the challenge of taking a new idea as far as it can go.

The Team Center – Nothing is more exciting than a new idea and project. It’s a chance to put the old boring stuff away and feel fresh and alive, again. The Team Center makes sure everyone stays on track by keeping objectives in sight and everyone focused. Having a game plan with coordinated assignments, the old and new are combined to keep everyone happy.

On the Table - Three Planners

The Goal Keeper – New ideas challenge them. Close to the Team Center, the Goal Keeper has the timelines and knows where everyone is or should be during the project. And, being very goal-oriented, they tend to get results.

The Analyzer – New ideas are great and setting up the project goals is certainly beneficial, but without the Analyzer on your team, you’ll never know if it really is the time to push forward or sit back and watch the trends. The Analyzer will keep the team focused on the broader view, while calmly analyzing all the data and balancing it against the best interests of the company and clientele.

The Organizer – Even with timelines and goals understood, it takes efficient organizing to really get the job done. Using common sense, the Organizer knows what needs to be purchased, how to effectively use everyone’s time, and in what order things should be accomplished to get the desired results. Their organizational skills move projects towards completion like a well-oiled machine.

Moving Forward - Diverse Implementers

The Company Operative – The best thing about a team is that work is spread out and one person isn’t overwhelmed. The dark side is that team members are human and putting together so many diverse types can be like watching adults at recess. There’s going to be some problems. The Company Operative is the one who keeps the peace, focusing on what’s best for the company at all times. They’re magicians at resolving conflicts and making everyone feel that they are needed and appreciated. You can count on their support and cooperation throughout the project.

The Detailer – The Organizer needs help. With a view towards the broader picture, he looks to the Detailer for checklists to make sure every step is done. The Detailer will stay on top of things until the job is finished, calmly checking off each and every little detail.

The Expert – In today’s high-tech world, projects require skills and knowledge beyond the average worker. The Expert is someone who may or may not be a company person but has the professional skills needed to walk you through the process and/or oversee completion of your project or company growth.

What Type Are You and Where do You Fit In?

While teams need diversity, you still need to know what your function is for each project. Don’t dig in your heels and refuse to try other positions. The smartest business person is the one willing to learn and develop all the skills that keep a company strong.

Think of it as free continuing education. To become a part of top management, you’re going to have to know much more than your current skills. Grab every opportunity that comes your way. Teamwork is shared work with one goal in mind – the success of the company.

If you have a problem being part of a team, you may have to consider sole proprietorship, and that means – building a team of your own. You can’t run from it, so have fun. Accept new challenges, add to your skills and become noticed as a strong and valuable team player so that you’ll be the one management considers for that next promotion.