There are teams … and then there are teams. Some teams build us up and help us be the best we can be. Other “teams” may try to tear us down and seem to prevent us from being the best we can be. And there are many of us who have no team, who believe we want to or have to do it all ourselves.
For entrepreneurs, having a strong and supportive team is especially important. The team I’m talking about here is different from a leadership team or a support team or even a working team. It has a very specific purpose and characteristics.
What’s the purpose of this team? It’s your life support team, your lifeline team.
Remember the game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Contestants could call a “lifeline” when they didn’t know the answer to the question.
You’re in a game called Who Wants to Create a Fantastically Successful Business? And you want a lifeline team to support you. Your team can be any size as you want; three or four members is a good size.
Who should be on this team? This team is critical to the success of your business, so you want to have people you absolutely trust, whom you respect and who respect you, and whose strengths are different from your own.
These are individuals can look you in the eye and tell you what you need to hear, whether you want to hear it or not. Most important, they do it solely with your highest good in mind; you don’t have to worry about judgment or one-upmanship.
What’s your role on this team? This is one of the most challenging roles for most entrepreneurs. You need to be totally honest with your teammates, although what you choose to share with specific individuals may vary.
How do you create your team? Have some conversations with those you trust. Ask for feedback and notice your reaction. Do you feel encouraged, supported, and validated? Do you feel judged and “wrong”? Do you feel uncomfortable, yet realize it’s what you need to hear?
Go with your gut. And when it tells you “yes,” ask that person to join your lifeline team. Be very clear about what you’re looking for and ensure them that you welcome their candor and support.
How will you benefit from this team? In countless ways. You’ll find yourself focused on using your strengths, and on delegating to others based on their strengths. You’ll discover a new and more effortless “flow” to your day. You’ll allow yourself to have more enjoyment and success in your business and your life.
Last but not least … pay it back. Or forward. Or upward, or downward, or sideways. This will benefit you at least as much as it benefits others, and likely more.
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Jane works with CEOs, Partners, Principals and Executives who are looking for Clarity, Focus and Release. My clients and colleagues call me a thought provoking Business Therapist. My focus is helping overwhelmed executives regain clarity, let go of ambiguity, uncertainty and fear, while bringing focus to their goals and objectives. I ask the hard questions knowing that you’re ready to answer them.
The Sage Mentor – Grow Your Business program is designed to help women entrepreneurs increase sales and expedite growth of their business.
Jane is also the author of Put Your Big Girl Panties On and Kick Your Fears in the Ass.
Additional information is available at www.lovasconsulting.com. Contact Jane by email jlovas@lovasconsulting.com or by telephone at 703.981.3157