tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540166.post110931177181235298..comments2024-03-28T13:34:39.165-07:00Comments on @jspepper: Building Rock Star TeamsJeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859194486093074401noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540166.post-1118089176853926672005-06-06T13:19:00.000-07:002005-06-06T13:19:00.000-07:00Jeremy:Great idea for a topic ... and one that has...Jeremy:<BR/><BR/>Great idea for a topic ... and one that has a great deal of personal meaning for me, as I've spent much of my career building teams.<BR/><BR/>Here are two points not previously mentioned -- and both learned the hard way.<BR/><BR/>1) If you want your team to be successful, you have to make sure that you operate each day -- and in every way -- as a team. You cannot have a culture or recognition program or compensation structure that rewards prima donnas ... if you do, your team players will leave.<BR/><BR/>I always told new employees from day one that we valued teamwork over individual success, and that any attempt to backstab, criticize or circumvent the team would be looked down on.<BR/><BR/>Then, we tried hard to create an environment where people felt involved, empowered and free to act on behalf of clients and the agency.<BR/><BR/>2) You have to be willing to sever ties with employees who don't fit your culture and your team. This was the toughest lesson I learned ... I always gave people too many second chances. But a person who isn't working out can kill a team faster than you can say "bad attitude." Make the decision, stay strong, and find an upgrade in talent.<BR/><BR/>Finally, to build a great team, a leader needs to listen, communicate, be visible, be accessible, answer the tough questions and stand up for his/her staff whenever challenged. PR people are experts at recognizing spin and BS. You've gotta be real or you've lost 'em.John Wagnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10853134057404925636noreply@blogger.com