“It is the responsibility of leadership to work intelligently with what is given, and not waste time fantasizing about a world of flawless people and perfect choices.”

- Marcus Aurelius

Many entrepreneurs think they can escape teamwork and leadership by “doing their own thing”. However - the reality is that the greatest rewards and the biggest impact goes to people who know how to work with other people. Not just work with them, but actually excel at bringing out the best in their teamates.

As Marcus Aurelius so keenly observed, the foundation for great teamwork begins with accepting people as they are. Certainly you can hire and fire to your hearts content, but at the end of the day, no person is perfect. No team is perfect. It is up to you, as a leader, to embrace the people around you, and aim towards victory.

Don’t waste time wishing that life had dealt you some other group of characters to be with. Chances are, the next group you wind up with will be no better or worse than the ones you’re with. If you are going to build a great team, and be a part of a great team, start today with the team you are already on!

Here are three steps you can start taking today:

Step 1: Establish a Clear, Inclusive Vision. Begin by envisioning where you want your team to be in the future. This vision should be inclusive, considering the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of your team members. Set specific, achievable goals that reflect this vision. Encourage each team member to envision how their contributions will help achieve these goals, fostering a sense of ownership and personal investment in the team's success.

Step 2: Identify and Leverage Individual Strengths. Recognize and celebrate the unique strengths and skills each team member brings. This step involves identifying the 'ONE Thing' each person excels at or is deeply passionate about. By focusing on these individual strengths, you can assign roles and responsibilities that maximize each person's contribution, leading to a more efficient and effective team.

Step 3: Foster Collaborative Efforts and Continuous Learning. Building excellence requires an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, giving feedback, and learning from one another. Promote open communication and collaboration, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. Encourage continuous learning and development through training, workshops, and team-building activities. This step helps in not only harnessing the power of diversity but also in creating a team culture that is adaptable, innovative, and resilient.