Right People. Right Seats. Doing the Right Things!

Hey leaders, let’s have a real talk about one of the most critical aspects of scaling your business: having the right people in the right seats, doing the right things. These are not just business principles, but life-changing strategies. Let’s dive into how we can make this happen and why it’s so important.

1. Engage and Evaluate Stakeholders

Being a leader is hard and demands making tough decisions. Have the courage to make changes when needed. Regularly assess whether all stakeholders – employees, customers, vendors, shareholders – are happy and engaged. Are they aligned with your company's values and goals? Would you re-hire or re-engage each of them today, no questions asked (with a “hell, yes!”)? This continuous evaluation ensures that all parties involved are contributing positively to your organization’s mission and helping build strong, supportive relationships that drive growth and success.

2. Embrace Core Values

Core values are the bedrock of any successful company culture. It’s not enough to have talented individuals; they also must fit seamlessly into the cultural fabric of your organization. Make sure every team member understands and embodies your core values. This creates a cohesive and motivated workforce aligned with your company’s mission and vision. Remember, your core values should attract the right people and repel the wrong ones.

3. Finding & Keeping ‘A’ Players

‘A’ Players are those who consistently perform at the highest level. They produce results and embody your core values. They set the standard for performance, drive innovation and inspire those around them. Invest in identifying and developing ‘A’ players to ensure your team operates at its best. Surrounding yourself with ‘A’ Players professionally and personally can be transformative. There’s a silent code among ‘A’ players – excellence doesn’t need to be spoken, it’s just done and done well.

4. Focus on ‘A’ Player Development

Investing in the development of ‘A’ players within your organization is crucial. Provide training and development opportunities to ensure your team members grow and excel in their roles. This approach not only enhances their skills but keeps them engaged and motivated. Remember, this isn't just for the leadership team – it’s for all employees, with development trickling down throughout the organization.  Look for continuing education, masterminds and cohorts— places for your people to go and learn!

5. Establish Performance Metrics and Accountability

Clear performance metrics are essential for accountability. Set specific, measurable goals for each role and regularly track progress. Think of this as gamifying the approach to work. Determine the end results you’re aiming for and then reverse engineer the activities that produce those results. This ensures everyone is contributing effectively to overall objectives.

6. Effective Communication

Consistent communication is key to maintaining alignment and accountability. Hold regular, meaningful conversations with your team to ensure everyone is on the same page.  I’m not talking regular weekly meetings; I mean quarterly one-on-one touchpoints that help address issues promptly, provide necessary support, and keep you and your team members aligned with strategic goals. Take these meetings/touchpoints outside of the office – grab a beer, have lunch – and be human and connect on a personal level.

7. Celebrate Achievements

Recognizing and rewarding team members is crucial for maintaining a positive and motivated workforce. Celebrate achievements, both big and small, to show appreciation and encourage continued excellence. This fosters a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired to do their best.  Teams and companies forget to celebrate; we tend to focus on what we need to solve now. Don’t forget to celebrate! As leaders, our mission is to create environments in which our teams can thrive. By ensuring alignment with core values, clarity in roles, and continuous development, we set the stage for sustainable growth and long-term success. How are you ensuring you have the right people in the right seats, doing the RIGHT things in your organization?

Let’s continue this journey together!