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Some issues in support COMMERCIAL are the same as those faced in any country, but some are unique to this ever-evolving segment. When I look at the structure, staff and technology of 12 months ago, my company is almost unrecognizable.
Without the right mindset, keeping a handle on growth can be a bit like juggling a chainsaw.
The key role of technology
Technology is the lifeblood of the commercial industry. By definition, our business only exists online. Fast the evolution of tools and rigs can dramatically change the landscape overnight. We have seen this first hand.
Leaders in this sector must expose a remarkable degree of technological knowledge and a “prescient” vision to anticipate and adapt to these changes. The adoption of new technologies forces a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the team. There is no such thing as the status quo!
Team members who are slow to pursue continuing education, experiment with new tools, and devote time to strategic thinking don't last long. The willingness to adapt is required for growth and competitive advantage.
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Leveraging diversity
The global nature of trading today means that teams contain a range of cultural and professional backgrounds. Our current team is spread across five different countries. This diversity, while a tremendous asset, also presents unique leadership challenges.
Effective leaders must promote a cohesive team environment where every member feels valued and understood regardless of background and location. Solutions to reduce the “artificial isolation” that team members from other parts of the world may experience are essential. This involves using technology to facilitate communication across different time zones, promoting a inclusive culture and seeing it as a strength rather than a hindrance.
An example is having occasional video conferences that are not business specific. They allow time for team members to talk freely about their lives, creating a connection that business-only video calls don't allow. You'd be surprised at the personal details that come out of these calls. Everyone enjoys these moments. (And yes, everyone's camera should be on!)
Invariably, we see new and closer COOPERATION as a welcome result.
Balancing the dynamic of contractors and full-time employees
Property trading is no different than any other company out there. Our team faces the issue of “contractors and full-time employees”. We all know companies that failed to get this right and paid dearly.
This mix can enrich the team with flexibility and specialized skills. However, it also requires careful management to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working steadily towards the company's goals.
During a growth phase, when certain roles expand while others disappear, it's vital to constantly ask the question, “Is this best handled internally, or will we outgrow this need in 6 months?”
Leaders must integrate these contributors, ensure clear communication and commitment strong expectations. Verbalizing clear expectations saves a lot of headaches. This issue reflects the geographic challenge just mentioned. Promoting an environment where contracts feel “connected” to the company's vision.
There is another concept at play here. The “fire fast, hire slow” principle. I don't mean this in a merely ruthless sense. But being willing to make tough decisions is a spark for growth.
Ensure that each member's presence is not only warranted, but beneficial to the collective purpose. Again, this philosophy is not rooted in a lack of compassion, but in a commitment to excellence and the long-term success of the team.
Maintaining integrity as a core value
The temptation for quick profits in the support industry can lead to ethical problems with clients and business entities. integrity it is non-negotiable.
Bad actors exist everywhere. Unfortunately, trading supporters is not immune from this. This makes it all the more important for leaders to adhere to it the highest ethical standards themselves and to instill these values in their teams.
This includes creating a culture where ethical behavior is recognized and rewarded and where team members feel comfortable raising concerns. Customer service sees different behavior from customers than the tech team on the back end.
As a rule, whenever cash changes hands or profits are on the line, someone will devise a way to circumvent the rules. By prioritizing integrity, leaders build a team that not only succeeds, but also does so with respect and the law. And in line with the company's long-term vision.
Adapting the composition of the team for future challenges
The skill sets and mindsets that contributed to initial successes may not indicate success in the future. Leaders must be vigilant in assessing the team's abilities and ready to make adjustments as needed.
This may include seeking new talent with specific expertise or redefining roles within the team to better align with strategic goals. The same talent pool that makes a company $0 to $1 million in annual revenue is unlikely to be the one that makes $10 million to $50 million. Recognizing “talent blocks” is an acquired skill. But it is very necessary.
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The art of leading a sales team to success
Leading any team to success is an art that requires a blend of strategic foresight, technological skills and the development of interpersonal skills.
The short version: If I had to pick one trait that indicates someone who is likely to stick with you through growth and challenge, I'd probably go with a desire to continually learn.
By embracing these principles, leaders can build resilient and adaptable teams capable of steady growth and even friendship. The journey is demanding, but I have found the rewards of cultivating a high-performing, ethically-based team to be immeasurable.