Building a Winning Team: Nurturing culture through recruitment

Published 18 July 2024 | 2 min read

Building a winning team is no small feat, especially for small businesses in New Zealand. It starts with nurturing your company culture right from the recruitment stage. The work environment is constantly evolving, making it essential to create a team that is adaptable and able to face challenges head-on. When hiring, it’s crucial to understand that a CV doesn’t tell the whole story of a candidate. The secret to creating a formidable team lies in valuing soft skills and hiring for attitude rather than just a polished CV.

Power of soft skills

Soft skills are the glue that holds a team together. They encompass communication, empathy, problem-solving, and adaptability. When you’re hiring, it’s easy to get dazzled by a list of qualifications and experiences. However, a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively, work well under pressure, and adapt to new situations is far more valuable in the long run.

In a customer-facing role, would you rather a candidate with an impressive CV full of technical skills or another who radiates positivity, can easily relate to people, and shows genuine interest in helping others? I’m not suggesting that employers discount CVs, especially in sectors requiring industry-specific knowledge, but far more emphasis should be placed on soft skills.

Hiring for attitude

A CV provides a snapshot of past achievements, but it doesn’t reveal a person’s attitude, potential, or willingness to grow. Great teams are built on the foundation of a growth mindset. When hiring, look for candidates who are eager to learn, open to feedback, and resilient in the face of challenges. These are the individuals who will drive your company forward.

I am an avid sports watcher and believe that top sports teams offer valuable lessons here. They don’t just scout for technical prowess; they seek out players with the right attitude, a strong work ethic, and a team-first mentality. The same principle applies to building a winning team in business.

Leadership and communication

Strong leadership and clear communication are essential in any team. Leaders set the tone, establish the vision, and ensure everyone understands their role and how it contributes to the overall success. They must be approachable and open to feedback, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

Every team member needs to know their role and be self-accountable. A well-defined role gives purpose and direction, helping individuals see how their efforts impact the larger picture. Self-accountability ensures that each team member takes ownership of their tasks, driving performance and embodying a culture of responsibility.

Growth mindset

A growth mindset is pivotal for a thriving team. It’s about embracing challenges, learning from mistakes, and continuously striving for improvement. The best teams are those where members are not afraid to fail, because they see failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. This mindset keeps the team dynamic, innovative, and resilient.

Top performers constantly review their performances, learn from their mistakes, and seek advice to improve. They aren’t complacent or think they’ve reached the pinnacle. In business, you want team members who exhibit this hunger for growth and improvement.

Knowing your "why" and vision

To build a winning team, business owners need to know their "why" and have a clear vision. This clarity helps in defining timelines and identifying the personalities that will thrive in your team. A clear vision acts as a roadmap, guiding your recruitment process and ensuring you attract individuals who align with your company’s goals and values. Without a clear vision, business owners run the risk of hiring the wrong person, who could potentially damage their team.

Power of diversity

Successful teams boast a diverse collection of individuals, each bringing unique opinions and perspectives. Diversity in a team encourages creative problem-solving and innovation. When team members view challenges through different lenses, they can come up with surprising but effective solutions. A mix of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints enriches the team and drives success.

Future benefits

Emphasising soft skills, hiring for attitude, fostering strong leadership and communication, encouraging a growth mindset, knowing your "why," and embracing diversity—these strategies lay the foundation for long-term success. The immediate impact might not always be apparent, but the benefits will manifest over time. Teams will become more cohesive, innovative, and resilient. Productivity and morale will improve, and your business will be better equipped to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

How to proactively work towards this?

Start integrating these principles into their recruitment processes:

• Revamp job descriptions: Highlight soft skills, attitude, and alignment with company values in job postings.
• Structured interviews: Design interview questions that assess soft skills, growth mindset, and cultural fit.
• Ongoing training: Provide continuous learning opportunities for leadership, communication, and diversity awareness.
• Feedback mechanisms: Implement regular feedback systems to ensure open communication and continuous improvement.
• Clear vision and values: Clearly articulate your company’s vision and values to attract like-minded individuals.
• Diversity initiatives: Actively seek diverse candidates and foster an inclusive workplace culture.

Adopting these strategies, you'll not only nurture a positive company culture but also pave the way for sustained success. Remember, building a winning team is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Embrace the process, and your efforts will pay off in the form of a robust, high-performing team ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way.