When it comes to running a business, many things have been written about how to build a team such as choosing people who you would eat dinner with, introduce to your family and would even remain friends with after a cataclysmic business failure. That sounds nice but how do we practically apply that advice? How do we ensure that these prospective team members are indeed capable before hiring them?

Sir Richard Branson and several other successful entrepreneurs have said repeatedly that they only work with people who are smarter than them. Others have said that they choose people for their attitude and not their aptitude. How then did they attract those persons that were smarter than them and how do they maintain those relationships?

I’ve come to think that the “trick” that they have learnt is to build relationships with persons who you think are “too good” at what they do to be interested in working with you. In fact, they are so good that you would consider it a great opportunity to work with them. Heck, their reputation inspires you to be better but also intimidates you so much that you don’t want to even approach them. The idea of them even considering the idea of working with you is scary & exciting. If they join your team, you will immediately step-up your game just so that you do not let them down.

It’s important to note that these persons have many, many options available to them when it comes to finding revenue-generating opportunities. They don’t need to work with you and they know it. Hopefully you know that too. So, with respect to this knowledge, convincing them to work with you can only happen after you’ve both found a common/shared passion and grow to respect each other.

Without a basic respect for each other, many emotional and intellectual conflicts will occur unnecessarily. Coworker struggles are one of the leading reasons why some of the best leave lucrative roles in successful businesses. Co-founder fallout remains one of the leading reasons for the failure of new businesses and startups.

Don’t let that be you and your teammates.

Build relationships with them beyond business interests so that all issues can be resolved respectfully. Work with people who intimidate you and inspire you to be better. Make sure that you do the same for them. Especially if you’re “CEO”.