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Career Advice | 2 minute read

Building the "Dream Team"

February 6, 2012

When you picture a “dream team” you often immediately think of legendary sports franchises that had all the right players in all the right places at just the right times to make history. The same notion can be carried into the workplace. Organizations that understand business are not always about the bottom line, but rather about empowerment. They work on developing talent that works day in and day out, on those who come together to rally in the ninth inning. This is where real success is found.

While the faces of the star players are known worldwide, the single most important element of a successful team is the leader behind the scenes, strategizing the plays and building morale. Every “dream team” must have a uniquely talented coach steering the wheel and building the foundation. Having played Division One Field Hockey, I experienced this early on. The most skilled of these leaders is someone who is a great role model, who understands and plays to their team’s strengths, and most importantly who inspires those around him to be better, work harder, and believe that they are working for something other than a paycheck.

A powerhouse leader is an innovator by nature and a teacher by trade. They are dedicated to the task at hand and always lead by example. A talented leader is also open to hearing new ideas as well as sharing their own creativity. Being able to listen to ideas builds culture and mutual respect among team mates and coach. The leader must be able to keep the team supplied with innovative ideas to enhance the vision of the end result. Furthermore, treating everyone with the same level of respect will go a long way in establishing a relationship based on loyalty. I think it can be said that the most successful leaders also possess the ability to identify their employee’s individual abilities and personal motivators. This leader is able to utilize that knowledge to serve the greater good, enabling others to feel valued and heard; in turn showcasing what makes each individual unique, all of which further drives the dedication of a group.

Whether you build your dream team by working with the resources available or building a team from the ground up, it is so important to remember that the value of the bottom line is not always measured by the one big deal closed, but rather on what each person contributed along the way to drive the ball up the field.

About Kim Pope

Kim Pope is the chief operating officer at WilsonHCG, a global talent solutions leader that elevates the delivery of talent partnerships and transforms them into impactful business functions. A leader with an eye for innovation, Kim has played an influential role in the company’s double-digit growth through numerous acquisitions and funding from PE firms over the years. She is currently featured as an expert on the Forbes Human Resources Council and was named in SIA’s 40 under 40 list, a Tampa Bay Business Journal BusinessWoman of the Year honoree and SIA’s Global Power 150 Women in Staffing. Kim’s forward-looking perspective inspires her team to continually evolve the WilsonHCG brand and solution offerings.