There are lessons we learn and then we learn them again. I challenged myself to really listen yesterday when one of our CFO’s at CEFO Advisors, discussed the first 90 days of onboarding a client at our all-staff meeting yesterday. He meticulously took us through what went well, how the team overcame challenges, and what we learned. He spoke about the way our team worked seamlessly with the client and how trust and respect were developed early on within the process. He spoke about how we learned and embraced the strengths of each person to guide and establish our process. I watched the faces of the CEFO team as he reviewed what had been accomplished while he praised each member of our team as well as the individuals we worked with at the client, the attorneys, bankers, auditors, and investors. All of these people contributed to the overall success of that first 90 days.
He explained that although the onboarding process is mapped out during the initial discovery phase, there will be times that we have to pivot and change course to gain efficiencies and establish best practices. The process is strengthened by the acceptance and understanding that it is ok to change course as needed. It is an extremely healthy and accepting way to manage people and processes. There is little in business that is perfect. Successful relationships are built in those moments when you change course for the best results.
What do you need to establish a healthy high performing team?
- Establish a culture steeped in learning and understanding.
- Identify the strengths of each individual and assign responsibilities based on those strengths.
- Understand everyone’s communication style.
- Develop trust early on.
- Lead with honesty, respect, and the passion to do what is best for your team and business.
I challenge CEOs and business owners to evaluate their culture. Embrace where you are and take steps to make those changes needed to create your best team. Ask the hard questions.
- Have you developed your team to be a success?
- What do they need from you to attain the best results?
- Are expectations clearly laid out and followed through on?
- Is success celebrated?
Balancing strategy, finance, and culture is the key to winning and having a high-performing team.
