Why leaders should learn to value the boundary spanners
Entrepreneurial talent who work with other teams often run into trouble with their managers. Here are ways to get the most out of your ‘boundary spanners’...
Brain Circuits
7 questions for selecting your top teamÂ
Here are seven questions to ask as you select the top team to lead your company.
You’ve just taken the helm at your company – now what? The first thing you need to do is assemble your top team. To do it well, you need to answer these seven important questions.
Are they outstanding representatives of their functions?
Whether it’s marketing, operations, finance, or government relations, choose people who are accomplished and respected experts in their chosen disciplines.
Do they have the right values? 
You must be able to trust them to do what’s right for the organization.
Can they balance their functional orientation with what’s good for the business as a whole? 
Your top team must understand and support the overall strategy and vision – and, when necessary, be willing to disappoint their people for the greater good.
Do they really want to be here? 
A passion for the business and a drive to achieve excellence are essential.
Are they effective leaders? 
To align and activate engagement down through the business, you need top managers who can communicate and motivate their people to go the extra mile.
Are they able to function as members of the team? 
It matters little how effective they are in their narrow functional roles if they leave a trail of dissension and distrust in their wake.
Can they take on roles that complement the roles you want to play? 
Given the work the team needs to undertake and the roles you prefer to play, who are your natural complements? Find them for your team.
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