People make the business. More accurately, the performance of the team has a direct impact on the performance of the business. A great strategy needs a great team to execute. A high-performing team will make a good strategy great.
Too many entrepreneurs struggle with building teams. They are afraid to hire people who are smarter than they are, make more money than they do, or are leaders in their own right. This is one of the greatest downfalls of startup companies. They do not build high-performing teams; their leaders do not delegate at the appropriate time.
A month ago I came down with pneumonia and ended up being on my back and out of the office for two solid weeks. It brought me to my knees and I literally couldn’t think. I had no mental capacity to worry about the business.
The good news is that I didn’t need to.
I saw even more clearly the value of an exceptionally strong and seasoned executive team. Over the two weeks I was out we had perhaps our most exciting period as a company. I never panicked or worried about the company. I knew Three Pillar was in good hands; there was nothing to worry about. The team had the tools needed to succeed and they blew it out of the water.
To be successful, learn to surround yourself with individuals who are smarter than you. Learn to delegate, empower, and trust them. Don’t try to be an all-star – learn to build high-performing teams. As one of my board members continually reminds me, learn to be an orchestra conductor as opposed to a one-man band.