Series: Kicking @$$ in Today's Business Environment
Who you work with matters.
It's not just a cliché. it's a fundamental truth that resonates deeply in the entrepreneurial world. How we curate our teams often determines whether our businesses escape the gravity well and take flight. But it's not just about finding warm bodies to fill seats; it's about intentionally crafting an environment that attracts individuals we're genuinely thrilled to lead.
The Right Mindset
Let's talk about the mindset of your team. Are they a chorus of diverse voices, each bringing a unique perspective to the table? Or are they a homogeneous group, singing in harmony when it comes to their views on the world? That distinction is the difference between a team that spends their time and energy debating fundamental values and one that engages in a provocative dialog that challenges ideas and questions assumptions. While the mainstream narrative champions diversity as the ultimate strength, as entrepreneurs, we must question whether that's always the case.
Frankly, I don't think so.
Time for a Sports Analogy
Drawing from my experiences playing collegiate football and coaching at the NCAA level while in law school, I saw firsthand that ultimate success isn't just about compiling the most talented individuals. Instead, it's about recruiting and building a team whose beliefs, goals, and communication styles are in sync. In sports, as in business, alignment trumps raw talent. Just look at the NBA, where so-called "superteams" often fall to lesser-talented opponents who are more cohesive and less ego-driven.
Now, you might be wondering, how does this translate to business?
A Sense of Unity
Picture a workplace where employees genuinely enjoy each other's company, where they support, challenge and learn from one another in equal measure. Do they all share identical beliefs? Perhaps not. But they are aligned in their goals and values, which fosters a sense of unity and collaboration. Contrast that with a workplace rife with discord over divisive cultural issues. It's human nature to gravitate toward those who think like us, which can either reinforce or disrupt the fabric of your organization.
What’s the takeaway?
Culture in a Fourth Turning
In a society that finds itself in the midst of a chaotic Fourth Turning, and is thus fraught with societal divisions, creating a cohesive company culture isn't about assembling the most visibly diverse group of individuals (arguably virtue-signaling.) it's about promoting unity around shared goals and values, and while that may seem counterintuitive, it's key to achieving sustained growth and success.
As founders and leaders, it’s worth remembering that who you work with matters. Choose wisely.
Continue on to the next post in the series: Demystifying Finance
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