Transforming Your Business and its Customers Through Teamwork and Transparency
As business owners, we often want to be in control of every decision and every aspect of our businesses. But that’s not realistic – you simply can’t be everywhere, and do everything, at once.
However, with the proper planning and coaching, you can build a team of all stars that will carry out your vision and the messaging to your customers. While every company’s exact message and level of strategic planning will vary, I learned long ago that I can’t go anywhere without a great team behind me: a strong team that nurtures customer relationships and goes the extra mile to ensure their happiness and growth.
At Certum Solutions, we believe in a team-centric approach in everything we do. As I reflect on our journey, I want to share some of the key takeaways that have allowed our firm to grow – and ultimately to help take your business to the next level.
Let your team shine. No one likes a micromanager or control freak. By letting your team be themselves, and encouraging collaboration and transparency, your team will respect you more, and feel comfortable to share their thoughts. They’ll feel like they’re truly making a difference and will have your back.
When you have your team meetings, give everyone a platform to speak openly, and provide positive and constructive feedback at all stages of a project or performance. Providing guidance and direction is key for your team, but they must feel valued and confident enough to be able to do their jobs at a high level.
Delegate, delegate, delegate. I know I wrote the same word three times, but it’s because it is that critical! Delegation is not about losing control; it’s bigger than that.
Your team is there for a reason, and is certainly capable of carrying out tasks and assignments – with the proper training and tutelage. Will it always be perfect or will you avoid facing adversity along the way? Of course not, but it’s how you handle those moments, and perform thereafter, that makes the difference. I see these “moments” as learning experiences to grow together as a team, and inspire each other to be better and do better moving forward.
Just look at Carolina Panthers. In 2015, after waiving beloved running back DeAngelo Williams and losing top wideout Kelvin Benjamin in preseason, the team could’ve certainly felt let down and lost their way. But, through the coaching and support of Head Coach Ron Rivera and his staff, the players performed at a high level and got all the way to the “Big Game” in early 2016. You and your team can do the same!
By delegating, your team will feel empowered and important. And they will be more willing to go to bat for you and your business.
Deliver exceptional customer service. Top-notch customer service is an absolute must! It’s how people identify with you and your brand, and it’s what dictates your reputation and bottom line. Exceptional customer service is what our Certum team strives to provide you and your businesses. Our hope is for you to do that for our customers as well.
To get some advice on strategic ways to deliver exceptional customer service, check out one of our recent blogs.
Stay humble and show humility, but remain hungry. Business owners must have the best interests of others in mind – from our customers to our team. It’s OK to be self-aware, and willing to admit that we are not always right or can’t do everything ourselves. It’s okay to lean on our team for advice or for certain areas we don’t excel in, so don’t let your ego get in the way!
Showing humility is important, but don’t let that keep you from being hungry, and having the passion to keep improving and be a driving force toward your goals and dreams.
When you can be empathetic and not have an ego – and still have a laser focus on your vision and execution – the sky’s the limit. And your customers and your team will love you even more.
Teamwork and transparency are your goals; how will you get there?
