Developing + Retaining the Ideal Team Player in Your Organization

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, success hinges not only on strategic planning and innovative products but also on the strength of your team. Organizations thrive when they prioritize organizational health.

Organizational Health: The Bedrock of Success

Organizational health refers to the collective well-being and functionality of a company. It encompasses factors such as clear communication, effective leadership, cohesive teamwork, minimal politics and a positive work environment. Just as physical health is vital for an individual's well-being, organizational health is crucial for the sustained success and longevity of a business.

An organization's health is reflected in its ability to adapt to change, resolve conflicts constructively and foster a culture of trust and transparency. When these elements are present, employees feel valued, motivated and empowered to contribute their best efforts.

Hiring, Developing + Retaining the Ideal Team Player in Your Organization

Central to maintaining organizational health is the strategic recruitment, development and retention of the ideal team player. Patrick Lencioni, in his book "The Ideal Team Player," identifies three essential virtues — Humble, Hungry & Smart — qualities that are the foundation upon which high-performing teams are built.

Humble entails a willingness to prioritize team goals over personal ego, an openness to feedback and a recognition of one's own limitations. Hunger refers to a relentless drive to achieve excellence and a proactive attitude toward personal and professional growth. Smart involves possessing emotional intelligence, effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate seamlessly with others.

When hiring, organizations should assess candidates not only for their skills and experience but also for their alignment with these core virtues. By selecting individuals who embody Humble, Hungry & Smart, companies can foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and mutual respect.

During our Top Five Series on Hiring, Developing and Retaining the Ideal Team Player in Your Organization, the audience will be presented with a powerful framework along with easy-to-use tools for identifying, hiring, developing and retaining people with these virtues in any type of organization.

Employee Engagement: The Key to Productivity + Innovation

At the heart of organizational health lies employee engagement. Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace – 2023 reports several alarming statistics about the workplace in North America.

• 31% of our employees are actively engaged at work.
• 52% are not engaged. (Quiet Quitting)
• 17% are actively disengaged. (Loud Quitting)
• 47% are currently looking for another job.
• 52% of employees report being under excessive stress daily.
• 18% are feeling a lot of anger daily.

These levels of engagement / disengagement are harming productivity, quality, customer satisfaction and eventually the bottom line of our businesses.

Engaged employees are passionate about their work, committed to the company's goals and eager to contribute their ideas and talents. They are more productive, innovative and resilient in the face of challenges.

Every concept and tool we present will be practical, relevant and fast!

Practical – They can be implemented without significant resources.

Relevant – You will leave with a clear understanding of these concepts and your people will “get it” when you bring them back to your organization.

FAST – Implemented properly, we can make a positive impact on the culture of your organization in days and weeks versus months or years.

In conclusion, building a flourishing work culture requires a holistic approach that prioritizes both organizational health and the cultivation of the ideal team player. By hiring, developing and retaining individuals who embody Humble, Hungry & Smart, investing in their development and fostering a culture of engagement organizations can thrive in any business environment.

If this topic interests you, learn more and hear more from me on the traits that define the ideal team player by registering for the Zoom session on Wednesday, April 24 from 9 – 10 a.m.

And don’t miss the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s other Top Five events in 2024, including:

• Wednesday, May 22: Five Ways to Propel Yourself Into Growth  |  Learn More
• Wednesday, Aug 28: Five Tips for Your Brand Communications  |  Learn More
• Wednesday, Sept 25: Meaning Over Money  |  Learn More
• Wednesday, Oct. 23: The Scaling Leader  |  Learn More

For more information on the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Top Five series, visit the Business Resources page. While there, be sure to register for the next Top Five series. Learn more tricks on how to maximize the potential of your business through The Partnership’s through the Small Business Resources Hub.

Job opportunities and career resources are abundant in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Whether you're looking to find an internship, a job, develop professionally or grow as a student, we have the resources to help you thrive.