My Multi-Hat Approach to Building High-Performing Teams

1 Apr

When I first started out in business, I had three lines of enquiry that I was going to follow as I started my business. There was something about speaking, something about coaching and something about teaching. Fast forward five years, and I have added a number of other practices to those original lines of enquiry, and I call those my hats.

One of the things "they" advise you not to do when you are in business is to have too many things you offer because it confuses people. But I disagree. I believe that having a diverse set of skills and offerings can be a strength, especially when it comes to helping organisations find, build and sustain high-performing teams.

The Unique Journey of Each Team

You see, I am passionate about helping organisations find, build and sustain high-performing teams but there's not one single way to make that happen. Each team is unique, with its own set of challenges, strengths, and dynamics. And that's where having multiple hats comes in handy.

For example:

A team of accountants that I went into was petrified of and overwhelmed by change, so they needed a coaching teacher.
An architecture firm was really struggling to get decent folks on their team. What they needed was a consultant that could create their talent attraction and selection strategy.
A care home team that I went to work with was new to the leadership road, so they needed an almost "back to basics" form of leadership development (teacher).
Then there was the private school that was peppered with underconfident folk trying desperately to do their best. What they needed was a coach.
Then there was the manufacturing company where the leadership team were at each other’s throats! Boy, did they need a mediator, and stat!

Tailored Approaches to High-Performing Teams

The route to high-performing teams is not a single journey with a single route. While the target destination may be the same, high-performing teams, the starting point and route to get there may be very different. It would be like asking everyone to get to the top of a mountain in the same way, but some start at the base, others halfway up, and some even on a different mountain altogether. Some may choose to hike, others to drive, and some may even need to take a helicopter. The key is understanding each team's unique starting point and providing the right tools, support, and guidance to find their path to success. There are many ways to reach a mountain summit, and in the same way, there are many approaches to building high-performing teams, each tailored to the team's individual circumstances and challenges.

The Power of Multiple Hats in Team Development

This is where the power of having multiple hats really shines. With a diverse set of skills and approaches at my disposal, I can adapt to the specific needs of each team. Whether they need a mediator to resolve conflicts, a coach to build confidence and skills, a teacher to provide structured learning, or a consultant to offer strategic guidance, I can be there for them.

Many organisations looking for high-performing teams don't know whether they need a mediator, coach, teacher, or consultant. And why would they? They just want the problem fixed and the outcome of a high-performing team. That's where I come in.

Having deliberately expanded my repertoire of services, I can help you regardless of what is causing you difficulty. I've invested time and energy into developing a wide range of skills and approaches so that I can be the versatile partner that organisations need on their journey to high performance.

Let's Travel the Journey Together

You don't need to worry about which hat you need. I will pitch up with my hats in the back of my car. We can have a good chat, and I will decide which one I need and nip out to the boot to grab it! Together, we'll assess your team's unique situation, identify the challenges and opportunities, and map a course to success. With my adaptable approach and diverse set of tools, we'll navigate the journey, ensuring that your team reaches its full potential.

If you're ready to take your team to the next level, let's have a conversation. I'll bring my book of hats, and together, we'll find the right fit for your organisation's needs. Because at the end of the day, it's not about the hat; it's about the journey and the destination of a high-performing team.