Building a successful team requires more than just gathering a group of talented individuals—it’s about creating a balanced blend of skills that complement each other and drive your team forward. As an executive leadership coach, my role often involves helping leaders curate teams that embody the right mix of technical expertise, soft skills, and diverse perspectives.
Assessing Your Team’s Needs: Begin by identifying the skills your team currently possesses and those it lacks. A Harvard Business Review study emphasizes the importance of assessing both individual competencies and how the team functions as a unit. This dual-focus ensures a well-rounded team capable of handling various challenges.
Balancing Technical Skills and Soft Skills: While technical skills are vital for specific tasks, soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving are equally crucial. A LinkedIn report revealed that 92% of hiring professionals believe soft skills matter as much or more than hard skills. Striking this balance is key to a harmonious and effective team.
Encouraging Continuous Learning: In a rapidly changing business environment, continuous learning is non-negotiable. Deloitte’s 2020 Global Human Capital Trends report found that 53% of respondents consider skill development to be very important. Investing in training and development helps teams stay agile and competitive.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion: A diverse team brings a wealth of perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions. McKinsey’s research consistently shows that companies with diverse workforces are more likely to outperform their less diverse counterparts financially. Embracing diversity is not just ethical; it’s smart business.
Utilizing Team-Building Strategies: Effective team-building strategies can integrate diverse skill sets into a cohesive unit. Activities that promote collaboration and understanding help team members appreciate each other’s strengths and learn how to best work together.
The right mix of skills on a team can be the catalyst for unparalleled success. Leaders must actively develop and nurture this mix through strategic planning, continuous learning, and fostering an inclusive environment. The result is a team that’s well-equipped to meet today’s demands and adapt to tomorrow’s challenges.
Lead From Within: The true strength of a team lies in the synergy of its members’ skills, cultivated with intention and guided by visionary leadership.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.