By Dalip Jaggi, co-founder of Revive Real Estate, a PropTech with a goal to democratize house flipping.
Navigating the business world can feel a bit like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops—you’re pretty sure you’re not equipped for it and the view from the top seems a long way off. But when you assemble a great team, it’s like you suddenly find yourself in high-performance climbing gear with a seasoned crew of Sherpas leading the way.
In real estate, teams are in vogue. But teams are not just a trend for the property market—teams can be game changers for all kinds of businesses.
But how do you get there? Here are six of the top things to think about when you’re on a team-making journey:
1. Alignment Around Shared Goals
Remember, you’re no longer flying solo. Everyone on your team must be on the same page, marching to the same beat and chasing the same dream. Let’s call it the North Star. If everyone is aligned and shooting for that same shining goal, that’s when the magic happens. When each member of your crew knows where the ship is headed, it’s easier to row in unison. Each team member, whether they’re the newbie or the big kahuna, should be able to say, “This is what we’re here for.”
2. Transparency: The Key To Culture
As humans, we like to be in the know. But we don’t always share well. So go ahead: Pull back the curtain. Spotlight the big stuff and the tiny details. Share it all. Improving teamwork requires sharing, and one of the best ways to do that is with retrospectives. For every project or sprint, review what worked, what didn’t and why. Making retrospectives a habit can help build team spirit. Tools like retrospectives or sprint planning aren’t just for show; they’re your stage for fostering trust and showing your team that they’re part of the narrative. It’s not just about posting it on the wall—it’s about making transparency part of your daily chatter, actions and decisions to create a work environment where everyone’s clued in.
3. Promoting Ownership: Make It Personal
Think about when you put your name on something. You naturally care more, don’t you? Your name is on the line, right? It’s the same with your team. Promote a sense of ownership among your squad and watch them embrace their projects and ideas like it was their idea in the first place. When team members own their projects, I’ve found that they’re more likely to go the extra mile. Make it their baby by giving them the reins and watch them nurture it. You will likely find that nothing breeds success like when team members have a personal sense of ownership.
4. Flexibility: It’s Not Always A To B
News flash: Not everything in business is linear, and bureaucracy can be a buzzkill. Red tape is a luxury you can’t afford, especially when you’re starting and growing. As a team builder, like with a startup, you must be nimble, quick on your feet, ready to jump into action and unafraid to dive into the thick of things. Not everything needs to be strategy-then-design-then-execution because motion creates motion. So be the spark that lights the fire, and never be afraid to shake things up and break the mold.
5. Sharing Positivity And Negativity To Keep It Real
Positivity is great, but authenticity? That’s priceless. Being honest about both the wins and the losses breeds a climate of openness and improvement because building a team is not all sunshine and rainbows. So when things are going great, shout it from the rooftops. And when things get rough, don’t sweep it under the rug. Again, authenticity is vital. Being honest about the highs and the lows doesn’t just build trust; it can also breed resilience. Share the good, tackle the bad and remember that every stumble is just a step toward getting better.
6. Having Fun And Enjoying The Journey
The most important thing? Don’t forget to have some fun. Yeah, there will be days that just plain suck, but then there are days that are so good they make it all worthwhile. That’s what makes it fun! This journey of building a business? It’s yours. Embrace the journey. Make it epic. Make it memorable. After all, you and your team define what this adventure should look like.
Tying It All Together
Building a top-tier team isn’t rocket science—it’s about alignment, transparency, ownership, agility, honesty and a whole lot of fun. Remember, you’re not just doing business here—you’re also making history. You’ll succeed when you create a work culture that’s not just “meh” but “heck yeah.”
This shouldn’t just be a job; it should also be an adventure. And here’s the final secret: It’s the journey that transforms a business from ordinary to extraordinary. Extraordinary is not just a milestone but also a mindset. Now make it happen.
