Most of us at some point are going to be in the position of needing to build a team. There has been a lot written about team dynamics and the keys to team interaction. The aim of this article is not about team dynamics but about the team members themselves…what are we looking for when choosing a team member? What qualities would be most helpful in the people that make up the crew that are going to be working with us and taking on key leadership roles in our team. Here are a few thoughts around that:
1. Those that learn, grow and assimilate quickly
Look for leaders that pick up things quickly. They are smart but not necessarily academic. They understand and see the principle of something easily and don’t have to be instructed excessively or repeatedly.
2. Those that stand out, not necessarily charismatically, but in excellence and wisdom
Even though a charismatic personality is seen easily it isn’t necessarily the sort that you are looking for in this case. Look for someone with an excellent spirit…in the way they carry them selves and deal with situations. Also look for wisdom. This can be seen even at a young age. It is these qualities that need to be evident in a high tier leader.
3. Those that are fruit bearers
When someone produces and can create growth in anything or any area they apply themselves to, take note. It is this quality of leadership that knows what needs to be done and how to make something succeed that you are looking for.
4. The committed and hard working
There are no shortcuts to success. You need to find people who are willing to put in the hours and show commitment. At a high tier leadership level there will be a work and commitment load that needs to be demonstrated early on.
5. Those that go through trial and don’t run but overcome
It’s one thing to function well and another thing to keep functioning well under pressure. Look for those who under trial don’t emotionally or physically bail out on you. When you, or God, or circumstances lean on someone you need to know they won’t easily crumble.
6. Those that fight for you and the team
You want to know for sure that someone is not just hard working and not just committed but on your side and willing to fight for you. Someone who knows how to stand with you while under fire from outside or within.
7. Those that resolve not cause conflict
You definitely want a person at this level who is not going to be creating problems but solving them. A person who is good at conflict resolution and who “deflames” not inflames people and situations.
8. Those that are exercising personal and spiritual disciplines
Begin to look for people putting in the miles in the area of personal disciplines. Those that pray, study and apply good personal disciplines with money, time and relationships. Any person that has discovered personal discipline can also rule with authority.
9. Those that naturally carry influence and authority
Observe those who carry natural influence and authority without position or role. Usually these people have something that people respect and want to follow. Obviously their exercise of natural authority needs to avoid employing things like control and manipulation, which are very undesirable qualities of a leader.
10. Those wanting responsibility not title, authority or power
Look for those wanting to take on responsibility not position. People who want to get in and work but also who like the feeling of responsibility and handle it well. You don’t want people who love the feeling of authority but not responsibility…this can be a dangerous combination.
