| We were more than excited. Our women's doubles | | | | what those talents are. Secondly, celebrate small |
| tennis team had won our division, successfully | | | | successes. After we got through the first week with |
| competed in three rounds of the playoffs and had | | | | three points, we had something to build on. We were |
| emerged as finalists in the city competition. We fought | | | | able to take that success, make some modifications |
| hard and the results had paid off, but things didn't | | | | and grow from there. Do the same for your |
| always look so promising. Just last season we finished | | | | company.3. We found a good coach - One thing our |
| in 3rd place. Three of our members decided to throw | | | | team was lacking was a coach. We came into the |
| in the towel and left to find new teams.At the | | | | season without one because the one we had |
| beginning of the season, we barely had enough | | | | previously failed to motivate and connect with the |
| members to complete the roster. We needed 10 ladies | | | | team. There are teams that choose to play without |
| to play each week; we had 11. At our first team | | | | coaches. Sometimes that works and sometimes it |
| meeting their were only 4 in attendance. Competitively | | | | doesn't. Our team realized that we needed a coach, |
| speaking, we didn't have a lot to offer. We had no | | | | but three weeks into the season, we didn't have one |
| coach; we barely had players; and it wasn't readily | | | | and we didn't have a lot of prospects. Ultimately we |
| evident that the ones we had were committed. The | | | | found a coach. Not just any coach ------ a great |
| scenario looked bleak. Seven weeks later we were on | | | | coach! You'd be amazed at what a coach can do for |
| our way to the city. Here's how we pulled things | | | | a team. We learned new techniques and new |
| together:1. We had a committed leader - When our | | | | strategies which effectively took our team to the City |
| team was on the verge of falling apart our team | | | | Finals. Not only did he provide us with new strategies, |
| leader (captain) could have made one of two | | | | but he turned out to be a great resource and |
| decisions: 1. She could have bailed out or | | | | connected us with two new players. We found a |
| 2. She could stay with the team regardless of the | | | | coach that brought expertise, resources, and players, |
| challenges. Lucky for us, she chose the latter.Your | | | | but also one that made a connection with our team, |
| staff and employees will follow by example. If you are | | | | which overall boosted morale.In a competitive |
| not committed to the vision of your company, others | | | | environment getting to the top is not easily done alone. |
| around you can't be either. Even when things look | | | | You may have to pull in someone to help. If you're not |
| gleam ---sales are down, prospects are few and it | | | | seeing the results you want, find a good business |
| appears that you just won't make it, remember | | | | coach that can help you and your team see your |
| dedication and hard work can see you through. Our | | | | vision and reach your goals.Sometimes business |
| captain decided to stick with us and in turn we stuck | | | | owners throw in the towel too soon and miss out on |
| with her and the team prospered. Regardless of what | | | | the rewards that are awaiting around the corner. |
| it looks like, continue to motivate your team by staying | | | | Entrepreneurs have a lot to contend with and a |
| confident and realistic.2. We were able to build on the | | | | struggling business is an easy distraction. If this is the |
| talents of the team - Although our team was | | | | scenario that you're facing, I know how stressful that |
| challenged, we knew we had talent. It was just a | | | | can be. Sometimes a company or team is so far gone |
| matter of cultivation. Individually and collectively we | | | | that the only answer is to part ways and take your |
| were a talented bunch and by recognizing that we | | | | loses. However, before you call it quits, make sure |
| were able to build on those strengths and see the | | | | you're not a season away from going to the |
| potential.It will be difficult to build on your teams' talents | | | | city.Sheronde is a business consultant and trainer |
| if you don't know what they are. Likewise, if the team | | | | specializing in small business marketing and |
| doesn't believe in themselves, you won't get good | | | | development. She is the author of Sipping Tea and |
| results. To help you work through this, start out by | | | | Doing Business: A Holistic Journey to Business |
| making a list of individual talents each member of your | | | | Success. |
| team brings to the company. Let each individual know | | | | |