9 Steps to Building and Coaching a Killer

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Stephen Key

Contributor
Co-Founder of inventRight; Author of One Simple Idea Series
July 11, 2014

Being self-employed doesn’t mean that I don’t work with other people. In fact, I’ve had to create
numerous teams throughout my career to help me achieve my goals.

These days, my team gets together every morning on Skype because we all live in different
places. I couldn’t do what I do without them.

Related: 10 Steps for Hiring Your Next Rock Star

Building a killer team is crucial to your success as an entrepreneur. Here’s how to do it.

1. Look for real talent. Hire people who are smarter and have more experience than you. This
may seem like a given, but I’ve found that it’s not. You may want to feel like the smartest and
most experienced member of your team, but your team will be much better off if that's not the
case.
2. Seek out different skill sets. When you’re building a small team, it’s incredibly important
that each member bring something different to the table. Make sure your team members know
that you aren’t simply looking for a “yes” person. You value their opinions -- especially when
they differ from yours. What are your weaknesses? Find people who can fill them.

3. Avoid the temptation to micromanage. Everyone needs direction and management, but no
one likes to be micromanaged. Give your team a goal and let them achieve it. They might do
things differently than you would, but that’s perfectly fine -- maybe even better.

Related: 9 Questions to Ask Candidates' References

4. Hire people that believe in your product. You can’t teach an employee to care. If they aren’t
thrilled by the opportunity to work with you, take a pass. People that truly believe in and support
what you’re doing will work the hardest for you.

5. Recognize that different people have different goals. For some, it’s money. For others, it’s
recognition. Make sure you understand what your team member’s long-term goals are and how
you can help them achieve them. They will be incredibly loyal to you if you do this. It shows you
care!

6. Set the bar high. Everyone should be on the same page in regards to what you expect and
hope for. From the very onset, I make it clear that it’s important to me that people own up to
their mistakes immediately. If you acknowledge it, we’ll move on, and it’s over. No harm no
foul. Great communication is essential for a killer team.

7. Create a safe space. We all make mistakes -- it’s better to be able to laugh at them than cry!
We all have insecurities. A killer team doesn’t prey on the insecurities of another member, it
works to lift them up. Take the time and effort to create an open, welcoming environment. You
need each other to fight the good fight.

8. Never stop learning. Make educating your team a priority. When people feel like they’re
learning, they’re much more engaged with their work. How can you challenge your team in a
productive way?

9. Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements as a group. There will be lots of small
successes along the way. Keep your team focused and excited by making the effort to celebrate
these, too. Enjoy the journey you’re on together.