Midlands Consulting Centre Provides 10 Tips to Building a Successful Team

May 23, 2010 - PRLog -- MCC believes that teamwork is one of the fundamental elements of success, especially in the direct sales and marketing industry. Building a winning team is a process and MCC wants to share 10 tips:

1. Think “Team First” rather than “Me First” – A “me-first” person puts the team second, and places personal gain before group success. These people often interrupt group productivity. In order to create a team with winning potential, you need players who have a “team first” attitude.  Each member needs to know how he or she contributes to the group, and how their contributions will ultimately lead to the team's success.

2. Have Clearly Defined Goals and Values - A team that has a vision is focused, energized and confident. They need to know where they are going, and more importantly why they are going there.  A winning team must share team values. These values influence and guide the team’s behaviour. They define the team and give unique identity to its members.

3. Make Sure Everyone Has a Specific Role - Each individual must feel valued, from the secretary to the number one salesperson to the senior manager. And, above all, each person must comprehend precisely how his or her own job performance is linked to the team’s success and survival.  People who feel that their role doesn’t matter will perform with that same mentality.

4.  Praise and Give Recognition Where Deserved – This holds true for everyone on the team, especially those with less significant roles. People are quick to catch people doing things wrong and often forget to catch people doing things right. In order to build a winning team it is imperative to give recognition to those who deserve it.

5. Be Aware of the Weakest Link – The strength of a team is impacted by its weakest link. When a weak link remains on the team for too long the team is less effective.  People who don’t have good attitudes are detrimental to the success of a team.  As a team leader you need to know who adds value to your team and who doesn’t.  Remember, a relationship doesn’t need to be permanent to be successful. If someone is preventing your team from hitting its full potential, they must be removed.

6. Find Your “Go-To-Players” – In order to have a winning team, you must find people who you can count on to get results. These people are responsible, initiative, creative, competitive, and have what it takes to be a leader. They don’t make excuses, and always perform under pressure.  They are the heart of your team – you can’t win without them.

7. Develop Pride in Your Team – In order to form a winning team, the team must think that they have what it takes to be the best. You must develop pride in group membership. Encourage team mottos, names, symbols, slogans, etc.  When a team develops confidence and unity, they are on the path to success.

8. Spend Time with Each Other Outside of Work – Relationships are the key to helping teams win. When individuals on a team have great relationships with each other, they are willing to work harder for the good of the team. People need to know what their teammate’s goals and motivations are. Spending time with each other on the court, or in the office isn’t good enough. True relationships are built outside of work.

9. Always Have Clear Lines of Communication – Creating change in a team requires communication. Effective teams have teammates who are constantly talking, sharing ideas and listening to each other.

10. Always Be Building Tomorrow's Team – In order to form a winning a team, weak links need to be removed, and "go-to players" need to be added. The team leader plays the role of a talent scout who is always looking for people to better the team. Who is joining the team? How are you training and developing the new members of the team? What are you looking for in additional members?

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MCC are an outsourced Sales and Marketing company, working with Named Brand Clients to increase Brand Awareness & Customer Acquisition.