During a recent Six Steps to Getting Strategic session, James and I discussed his goals for the year ahead: he wants to attract investment, build a team, and propel his business to the next level.

“Great”, I said.  “So what does your team look like?”

“Hmmm”, he muttered pensively.  “I want a sales team, a tech team, someone to run finance, HR….”

James rattled off a handful of functions.  Yet as I probed deeper, he wasn’t able to tell me why those functions mattered, how having those people on board would improve the company’s position, or what all of it might cost.

James isn’t alone.  It’s easy to get caught up in the buzzwords of organisational management.

I would hate to see any of you haphazardly build out a team.  You’ll end up with deep rifts in your business model and lackluster performance from the people around you.

So what is the right way to build a team?  Try these five steps.Continue Reading