A Solid Team is better than One Superstar
My success in O’Hare CrossFit has provided me a new lens through which I see business in a whole new dimension. It has helped me realize the importance of the person versus the bottom-line.
Plain and simple, when I first started building a coaching staff, I looked to find a clone of myself: an overly ambitious, gritty, resourceful person. I had the belief, at this time, that finding someone who was like minded, down to the last minuscule flaw, was the way to go. What I came to understand was that diverse mindsets within the staff would bread new philosophies, ideas, and methodologies.
Hiring is more about filling the gaps of your own inadequacies while constructing a cohesive, balanced unit. You are developing a family unit with a mixed bag of personalities and perspectives; wherein, each member meshes well with the strengths and weaknesses of the others. For me, I’m a hyper, scatter brain that runs at a high tempo constantly; thus, I overlook small details. The people that are around me balance me out. Becca is constantly letting me know not to needlessly buy every piece of equipment that is on trend but to remain focused on things that matter most to our vision. Rocio, OCF’s office manager, provides me with the piece of mind that the small details are indeed taken care of on a daily basis. I, in turn, am always there with a smile and a kind word for them (I am sorry I can’t even write this without laughing). The point is these stabilizing forces help make OCF what it is and are instrumental to its success.
One of the harsh realities of running your own business, however, is making tough choices. My staff is terrific, and I love them for their loyalty and dedication. This type of cohesiveness is not always accessible initially. If for some reason anyone on the staff is not giving the best experience possible at OCF to our clients and potential members, a difficult decision must be made about his or her future. This is a fundamental principle in any business; each member of the group must be a part of the chain; otherwise, the structure fails. One superstar is never enough to carry a team to the promise land and sustain success. I am a big Michael Jordan fan, but even he couldn’t win a championship without a supporting cast. Until he learned how to be a part of a team, he only achieved individual success. This concept is so important for the overall experience and growth of your business.
It may be time to address your current staff and see who is complacent and not on board with the respective vision. Provide these people with a clear understanding of your future goals and allow them a period of remediation. If change does not occur, you have your answer. Knowing that you may have to fire or replace them is not an easy task for anyone. Because I see business as 100% personal in every aspect, it is difficult for me to have these conversations. You are in charge, and decisions need to be made for the growth of that individual and for the longevity of your business.
The people best for your team are those who add to the natural fluidity and dynamic of your gym. Stop wasting your time looking for the perfect person and build the perfect team around you.
#CreateExcellence
Angelo Sisco
