Tips for Hiring and Leading An Effective Team
Becoming a Leader
Written By: Taylor Scally
Teamwork is an essential part of any company. But how do you make sure you hire the right people? And once they’re hired, how do you make sure you’re leading effectively, without micromanaging?
Both hiring and leading can be daunting if you are just starting this process for the first time ever. Luckily, we may have the answers you are looking for! Here are 5 tips and stories for hiring and leading that may help you:
Hiring
1. Having The Right People In The Right Seats
This phrase, as Julia Staffen explained in her interview, essentially refers to ensuring that employees are comfortable, motivated and want to be in their role.
“There’s a lot people, from what I’ve experienced and from what I’ve read, who stay in jobs that they don’t really want to do.”
Julia Staffen, COO of Wilful, believes in the importance of making sure people want and love the job they’re doing. When looking at people that are in specific roles in your company, Julia suggests considering these 3 questions:
Do they want to be there?
Do they know why they’re there?
Is the role something that motivates them?
She also suggests posing these questions to job candidates, and if the answer to all 3 questions is “yes” - they are probably a good fit. But if even one answer is “no,” it might not be the right fit. Although there will be some difficult decisions to make, Julia says that as long as you do it with empathy and care, you ultimately are making the right decision.
2. The Right Qualities
Make sure the person you’re hiring has the right qualities for the job they’re applying for.!
“That’s just what has made my company so successful - that these people are as dedicated to the mission as I am.”
Joanna Track, entrepreneur and founder of numerous companies, shares the quality she looks for the most when hiring — which is an entrepreneurial attitude! As an entrepreneur herself, it makes sense for Joanna to want to want someone who aligns with her values and work ethic. But an entrepreneurial attitude isn’t an applicable quality to all jobs or industries. Make sure you have an understanding of what the role you’re hiring for entails and brainstorm some key qualities you’d like an ideal candidate to have.
3. The Right Fit
Everyone is on the same page about the job’s objectives.
“There has to be a fit. A fit is determined on personal chemistry and also what it is that we’re trying to achieve for the client.”
Vanja Bannan, founder of BannComm, is big on personal chemistry and having a “fit.” In order to produce excellent work, Vanja believes that collectively, her and her staff must all understand the goals and objectives of what they are trying to achieve. Similar to both Joanna and Julia’s points, when hiring, make sure that the candidate is right for the position, in their motivation, qualities, and that they are ultimately the right fit!
Leading
1. Building A Good Corporate Culture
An important part of any company is a good corporate culture.
“We want it to be a good experience. We want [employees] to leave saying good things about their experience at Balzac’s.”
Founder of Balzac’s Coffee Roasters, Diana Olsen, is completely candid and honest about how she keeps a large team motivated and working towards the same goals. As the company has grown, it’s been harder and harder to connect with all the employees and so many varying locations. Instead of giving up, they have made plans to review the company’s “corporate culture,” so they can better connect with the baristas. It can be difficult, in large companies, to get to know each employee, especially with numerous locations. But taking the initiative to improve the corporate culture, like Diana, is the right step to creating a positive workplace environment.
2. Connecting On A Personal Level
It isn’t hard to connect personally with other team members, while maintaining professionalism.
“We start every one of our team meetings with a personal win and professional win for the week. The personal win really helps connect and understand what’s going on, outside of the company.”
Julia Staffen was the first virtual hire during the early days of the pandemic, whereas all the other staff members were used to working in the office. This gave Julia the opportunity to define the online culture right from the start. She developed numerous ways for her team to stay connected on a personal level, through her personal win of the week and through a “Manual of Me,” that asks questions about everyone’s personalities. Although these activities were designed for an online work culture, there is no harm in trying to reconnect employees as the slow return to the office begins. Try to come up with creative ways to make the workplace environment a little more personable, just like Julia!
This non-exhaustive list shares just a few ways you can make sure you hire the right team, and lead them effectively – but there are definitely more! As long as you take the time to flush out your hiring criteria, and try to create meaningful ways to engage with your team, you are on the right track! If you want to hear more informative stories and advice from incredible women, listen to Power in Heels on Spotify and Apple Music.
