How To: Build a winning team

Early in my life, I seemed only to excel at individual sports. It wasn’t until I entered the professional beauty industry that I realized that building a team around me was the most important component for success. It may be surprising to come to this conclusion by entering what has been traditionally a “me first” profession. However, I believe that there are three main components to building a healthy and thriving team, and I learned them from three of my best friends. 

1. Create specific goals and hone in on them.

I learned this first lesson from my brother and best friend in the world, Robert.  He is one of the most focused and talented people that I know. When we were kids, Rob had the greatest pair of hands on the football field and everybody wanted him to be a receiver. However, his desire was to be the quarterback. He set his intention and never looked back, and he became one of the best quarterbacks in our surrounding area. I used to think that this was just a gift, but as my life progressed I realized that Rob focused on his desired result and zeroed in on the specifics that would help him attain it. Building a team is about being deliberate about what you are looking for—when we are specific in our desires, our results have a far greater chance of a positive outcome.

2. Surround yourself with people that are better than you to create exponential growth in your team.

This is a lesson I learned from my best friend Will. Growing up, Will always had the most eclectic group of friends. Many of us identified with a particular group we felt connected to, whether it was athletes, artists, etc., but Will was friends with everyone. He exposed me to many different perspectives and helped me surround myself with people who had different skill sets. When building a team, you have to find people with various strengths and interests to fit your open positions, and that is why Will’s lesson is so important. Make friends with everyone and focus on the quality of that person.

3. Your journey is your team’s starting line. 

This last lesson came from my pops. Years ago, my Pops and I were driving in Memphis, TN and he explained life as a relay race. He told me that my grandfather did the best he could with what he had and passed the baton to him, and some day after doing his best he would pass it to me. It has been 20 years since that car ride in Memphis and, today, for the first time, I realized the true meaning: His life was my starting line and his past did not determine my future. He was setting me free, and I believe that that is the key to building a winning team.

As a leader we need to help our team members understand that our journey is their starting line and that their potential is unlimited!

I am grateful to Rob, Will and my pops for teaching us me the three foundational pillars of building a winning team. To hit a target is to see that target clear and unobstructed, make sure you aren’t the smartest person in the room by surrounding yourself with the greatness of others and equip your team members to meet and surpass your accomplishments. With these tips, your team will be destined for greatness!