Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 170 July 2024 | Page 68

Leadership

Secrets to Success

By Erik Vermeulen
If you ’ re a business owner or manager , there are various ways to ensure a good working environment and a productive , happy team . Here ’ s to building towards success and reaping the rewards .

Hire the Right Mindset

The most successful teams and companies are built not just on technical skills , but on a foundation of the right mindset and genuine enthusiasm . Sure , hard skills like coding , analysis or project management can be taught , but the intangible qualities – the hunger to learn , the willingness to collaborate , the drive to excel – those are the true differentiators . They ’ re what transform a good employee into a stellar one , and a mediocre company into an industry leader .

When you hire for attitude and passion , you ’ re not just adding capable hands to your workforce , you ’ re bringing in individuals who will elevate your entire organisation . They ’ ll tackle challenges with creativity and tenacity . They ’ ll inspire their teammates to reach new heights . They ’ ll be the catalysts for a thriving , high-performance culture .
So , if you want to build a team that doesn ’ t just meet expectations , but shatters them , start by seeking out those rare gems … the candidates whose resumés may not be perfectly polished , but whose eyes light up at the prospect of contributing something meaningful . With the right training and support , they ’ ll transform your business in ways you never thought possible .

Enable Your Team to Thrive

Building a high-performance team isn ’ t just about getting the right people in the room , it ’ s about creating a culture where every individual thrives . Here are five essential steps to fostering this culture :
1 Know your team as individuals : Understand the unique strengths , weaknesses and motivations of each team member , because personalised support and recognition can significantly enhance morale and productivity .
2 Set clear expectations : Ambiguity can derail even the most talented teams . Clearly define roles , responsibilities and goals , as this ensures everyone is aligned and working towards the same objectives .
3 Don ’ t Just empower … ENABLE : Provide the resources , training and support your team needs to succeed . Empowerment is more than delegation , it ’ s about equipping your team to take ownership and excel in their roles .
4 Establish trust and safety : Foster an environment where team members feel safe to express ideas , ask questions , and take risks . Trust is the bedrock of collaboration and innovation .
5 Lead by example : Your actions set the standard for your team . Demonstrate the values , work ethic and commitment that you expect from your team . Authentic leadership inspires and motivates .
By focusing on these five steps , you can transform your team into a powerhouse of collaboration , innovation and productivity .

Not Just About the Money

They say a good salary motivates you once a month , but a fantastic work culture keeps you fired up every single day ! Let ’ s face it , getting that pay cheque feels amazing – it ’ s the tangible reward for your hard work and dedication – but what truly keeps us going , what makes us excited to jump out of bed each morning , is the environment we work in . A great work culture isn ’ t just about perks and benefits – although those are nice too ! – it ’ s about feeling valued , supported and inspired every step of the way .
Does your company believe in more than just a pay cheque ? Is your leadership all about fostering a positive , inclusive and empowering atmosphere , where everyone can thrive ? From meaningful projects to supportive colleagues and opportunities for growth , have you got the recipe for daily motivation locked in ?
Celebrate not just the numbers in your bank accounts , but also the incredible journey we ’ re on together . Here ’ s to a pay cheque that acknowledges your hard work , and a work culture that keeps you motivated , happy , and fulfilled every single day !

R . E . S . P . E . C . T .

They say respect is earned , not demanded , and boy , is that true in the workplace . Think about it like this : Respect isn ’ t about your job title , or how loudly you can assert yourself . It ’ s about the way you carry yourself , the influence you wield , and how reliably you show up for your team . It ’ s not a right for those who shirk responsibility ; it ’ s a privilege for those who can be counted on .
In my years as a behavioural strategist and team catalyst , I ’ ve seen first-hand how respect can transform a group of individuals into a powerhouse team . It ’ s the glue that holds us together when the going gets tough , and it ’ s the fuel that propels us toward our goals in the right way .
Respectable leaders don ’ t just get results ; they get them ethically and sustainably . They build trust , foster collaboration , and empower each team member to shine in their own unique way . So , lead with respect , earn it every day through your actions , and watch as your team flourishes like never before . Because when we respect each other , there ’ s no limit to what we can achieve together .
Erik Vermeulen is a behavioural strategist focusing on employee engagement strategies , combining employee and customer engagement with his endurance endeavours in running , cycling , adventure sports , expedition races and mountaineering . This unique blend of knowledge and experience makes him a sought after coach and motivational speaker . More at https :// ridgelineza . com .
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