#BuildingTeams #Blog3 | Your first set of team members
The first few team members are probably the most important hires in your team. While you need to know that they may or may not stay with you for the entire journey but they do have a very strong impact on the DNA of the organisation.
The key idea is to ensure that your first few team members are fully aligned with the vision that you set for your team. Here are a few things to think about when you onboard your first few members:
- Are they aligned with your vision for your team?
- Are you equipped to support them, keeping in mind their support needs and where they are in their journeys?
- What will it take for you to make them lifelong ambassadors of the mission and the organisation?
- Can you provide them with the above opportunities / support?
I have found the following ways helpful while building a new team.
- Find people through your network, and do not go beyond 2 degrees of separation
- Have extensive conversations with the first few potential team members about their vision for themselves and look for synergies with your organisation’s potential growth pathway
- Be open and transparent about the challenges
- Be clear about where you are and what you are looking to build
- Be explicit about the role you want them to play in the organisation’s journey
Always remember, the first few people should be good fits for the bus even if you cannot find specific seats for them on the bus. You will travel with them through one of the most difficult phases of your organisation’s journey. You should be able to have fun, learn and keep each other accountable. Keep that in mind.
Have a great time building your team.
