Building a strong team is crucial for the success and growth of small businesses. While having the right processes and artifacts in place is important, it all starts with the right attitude towards people. In this article, we explore the key strategies for building an effective team that aligns with your business’s mission, vision, and values.
Learn how businesses are outsourcing their HR to Asure to speed up their growth.
The Importance of a People-Centric Approach
Moving Beyond Transactional Relationships
Treating employees as mere cogs in a machine or spokes of a wheel can lead to a transactional approach. To build a successful team, it is essential to view people as valuable individuals and cultivate meaningful relationships based on respect, trust, and mutual support.
Attitude vs. Artifacts
While job descriptions, compliant postings, interview processes, and employee handbooks are important artifacts, they are only meaningful when accompanied by the right attitude towards people. Prioritizing the well-being and growth of your team members sets the foundation for a thriving work environment.
Cultivating the Right Attitude
Recognize the importance of your employees as valuable assets to your business. Show appreciation for their contributions, provide growth opportunities, and create a supportive culture that encourages their personal and professional development.
Building Relationships
Foster positive relationships with your team members by actively listening, providing constructive feedback, and addressing their concerns. By demonstrating empathy and understanding, you can build trust and foster a collaborative work environment.
Implementing Effective Processes
Develop a systematic approach to hiring that goes beyond a simple job posting. Clearly define the skills and qualities you seek in candidates and implement a thorough interview process. Once hired, ensure a comprehensive onboarding program to help new employees integrate smoothly into the team.
Communication and Transparency
Establish open lines of communication within the team. Encourage regular feedback, hold team meetings, and provide avenues for employees to voice their opinions and ideas. Transparent communication helps foster a sense of ownership, collaboration, and engagement.
Our 2023 HR Survey data reveals that Fast Growth companies are 22% more likely to have a formal review process compared to companies that are shrinking.
You can download your copy of our 2023 Small Business HR Benchmark Report at no cost here.
Nurturing a Positive Work Culture
Clearly articulate your business’s mission, vision, and values to create a shared sense of purpose and direction. Ensure that employees understand and connect with these core elements, aligning their individual goals with the overall objectives of the organization.
Promoting Work-Life Balance
Foster a healthy work-life balance by encouraging employees to prioritize self-care and personal well-being. Offer flexibility, support work-life integration, and promote a culture that values the holistic needs of individuals.
Conclusion
Building a high-performing team requires more than just processes and artifacts. It starts with adopting a people-centric approach, valuing individuals, and cultivating meaningful relationships.
By implementing effective hiring and onboarding processes, fostering open communication, and nurturing positive work culture, small businesses can create an environment where team members thrive and contribute to the overall success of the organization.
Growing businesses are outsourcing their HR to the SHRM-certified experts at Asure. Learn more here.
Watch our video, Onboarding and Compliance Tips, where we analyze the data from our 2023 HR Survey.