Building a dream team is a goal that just about every leader aspires to achieve, yet few manage to fully crack the code. Why? Because assembling a team of standout performers isn’t about hiring a lineup of superstars or creating a group of individuals who simply look good on paper.
You should think about curating a mix of people who complement each other’s strengths, bring diverse perspectives to the table, and move forward with a collective purpose — that’s where the magic happens.
Dr. Tony Jacob, entrepreneur and investor, cuts through the fluff with four key actions to guide you toward building a team that can weather storms, crush goals, and make work enjoyable.
1. Start With Clarity: Define the Mission and the Roles
Before you can assemble your dream team, you need a clear understanding of what you’re trying to achieve and the type of individuals you need to get there. According to Dr. Tony Jacob, laying a solid foundation at the start is vital, which means defining your overarching mission while also breaking it down into specific roles and responsibilities. A dream team doesn’t operate in ambiguity. Each member should know exactly what they’re accountable for and how their contributions align with the larger goals.
Actionable Steps:
- Define the Mission: Create a mission statement that serves as the guiding light for the team. Make it clear, concise, and inspiring.
- Map Out Roles: Conduct a skills-gap analysis to identify what expertise your team currently has and what’s missing. Then, craft detailed job descriptions for each role.
- Communicate Expectations: Ensure everyone understands how their role impacts the bigger picture. Regularly revisit these expectations as your business evolves.
2. Hire for Emotional Intelligence, Not Just Technical Skills
Sure, technical expertise is essential, but Dr. Tony Jacob believes emotional intelligence — aka emotional quotient, or EQ, the ability to communicate effectively, manage emotions, and collaborate — is often the glue that holds a team together. He stresses the importance of looking beyond surface-level impressions to focus on understanding what truly motivates people.
Actionable Steps:
- Screen for EQ: During interviews, ask situational questions that reveal how candidates handle conflict, give feedback, or build relationships.
- Look Beyond the Resume: Pay attention to how candidates interact during the hiring process. Do they listen well? Do they show empathy?
- Encourage Emotional Maturity: Invest in soft-skills training for your team to ensure ongoing development in areas like communication, leadership, and conflict resolution.
3. Prioritize Team Dynamics Over Individual Stardom
A significant lesson Dr. Tony Jacob imparts is the danger of prioritizing personal achievements over the collective strength of the team. His use of tools like the Culture Index to develop a broader understanding of his team’s personalities and behavioral tendencies illustrates the immense value of being intentional and strategic about team composition.
Actionable Steps:
- Assess Fit: Use personality and behavioral assessments to ensure new hires align with the team’s culture and values.
- Encourage Collaboration: Create opportunities for cross-functional projects and team-building activities to strengthen relationships.
- Build Trust: Create a supportive environment where team members feel secure sharing ideas and taking risks.
4. Invest in Leadership and Long-Term Growth
Tony’s commitment to lifelong learning and his focus on supporting his teams’ growth highlights the critical importance of investing in leadership at all levels. A dream team naturally evolves alongside your business, making it essential to create clear pathways and opportunities for people to grow and develop within the organization.
Actionable Steps:
- Provide Development Opportunities: Offer training programs, mentorship, and coaching to help your team members enhance their skills.
- Promote from Within: Identify high-potential employees and create leadership pipelines to retain top talent.
- Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge and reward team achievements to keep morale high and motivate continued effort.
Dream Teams Are Built, Not Found
Creating a dream team takes intention, patience, and a willingness to learn from mistakes — and as Tony’s experiences illustrate, it’s about thoughtfully building a cohesive unit where each member’s unique strengths contribute to and elevate the success of the whole.
The question is: Are you ready to put in the work to build your dream team? If you start with the strategies outlined here, you’ll be well on your way to assembling a group of people who will help you tackle roadblocks, seize opportunities, and achieve incredible success together.