How to BUILD a High-Performing Team in 2024 l 4 Types of Team Members

Summary

The speaker discusses managing team dynamics by categorizing employees into four types based on commitment and capability. They advise firing those with low commitment and capability, nurturing those with high commitment but low capability, and challenging high capability but low commitment employees. The key is to acknowledge, elevate, and mentor high performers while being objective and fair in managing different types of team members.

Takeaways

• 🔥 **Fire Incompetence**: If team members with low capability and commitment do not reciprocate after attempts to mentor and develop them, it's best to let them go without guilt.
• 📝 **Blank Check for B Players**: Those with low capability but high commitment are given the benefit of the doubt and more opportunities to prove themselves.
• 🚀 **Challenge High-Capability Under-Commitment**: For team members who are capable but lack commitment, credit their achievements but challenge them to improve their commitment and behaviors.
• 🤝 **Acknowledge and Elevate A Players**: Recognize and express gratitude to high-capability, high-commitment team members, and promote them to leadership roles to further develop their skills.
• 🧐 **Personality Influences Team Composition**: A leader's personality can attract similar types of people, which can affect the balance of commitment and capability within the team.
• 🔄 **Leadership Learning Curve**: New leaders may initially struggle with their new responsibilities, often taking on the work of their team instead of managing it effectively.
• 🏆 **Develop Egos with Challenges**: To develop team members with big egos, challenge them to reach the next level rather than trying to break their ego directly.
• 🤔 **Distinguish Between Commitments**: Differentiate between those who are truly committed and those who are conveniently committed by observing their response to support and challenges.
• 👨‍🏫 **Provide Support for Growth**: Offer training, mentoring, and coaching to support team members' growth, which will also reveal their true commitment levels.
• 👥 **Objectivity in Team Management**: Maintain objectivity by treating team members differently based on their individual commitment and capability levels.
• 📉 **Avoid the Managerial Ego Trap**: Be cautious of managers with high egos who resist being challenged by more capable subordinates, as this can hinder team performance.

Q & A

What are the two key characteristics used to categorize team members in the script?

The two key characteristics used to categorize team members are capability and commitment.

How is a 'C player' described in the script?

A 'C player' is described as someone with low capability and low commitment. The solution suggested for a C player is to give them one or two attempts to develop capability and commitment, and if there is no reciprocation, they should be fired.

What is the recommended approach for dealing with a team member who is high on capability but low on commitment?

The recommended approach for dealing with a team member who is high on capability but low on commitment is to acknowledge their contributions, express gratitude, and challenge them to improve their commitment.

What is the term used for team members who are low on capability but high on commitment?

Team members who are low on capability but high on commitment are referred to as 'B commitment' people.

What is the dilemma mentioned in the script regarding the 'B capable results' person?

The dilemma with the 'B capable results' person is that they are high on capability but low on commitment, making them a challenge to manage. They might not listen to instructions, follow office norms, or respect colleagues, yet they deliver results.

What percentage of the team typically falls into the 'B capable results' category according to the script?

According to the script, typically 70% of the team falls into the 'B capable results' category.

How should leaders treat high capability, high commitment team members?

Leaders should acknowledge and express gratitude to these high capability, high commitment team members. They should also elevate them to leadership positions and mentor them on how to lead effectively.

What is the main reason mentioned for A players leaving their jobs in the script?

The main reason mentioned for A players leaving their jobs is a lack of acknowledgement and recognition.

How can leaders help 'B capable results' team members improve their commitment?

Leaders can help 'B capable results' team members improve their commitment by giving credit for their capabilities, expressing trust in them, and providing support for training, mentoring, and coaching to make them more capable.

What is the analogy used in the script to illustrate how to handle capable but uncommitted team members?

The analogy used in the script is that of Mahendra Singh Dhoni taking over as the captain of the Indian cricket team. He acknowledged the senior players, asked for their support, and challenged them to rebuild the team, which helped earn their respect and build a team of A players.

Why is it important to treat team members differently based on their capabilities and commitment?

It is important to treat team members differently based on their capabilities and commitment to be fair and to provide the appropriate support and challenges that each individual needs to grow and contribute effectively to the team.