Behind every successful leader is an even more successful team in the front

When i write this the first thought i have is of the humble experience of having worked with some awesome people who have been in my team. As leaders move ahead and grow in their careers there , amongst the many factors that made them successful,  the one that stands tall and in the forefront is "THE TEAM" that they have been part of. As the saying goes " you are only as good as you team", i would take it one step further and say that you are " only good because of your team".  A team can be a combination of one or more people who have worked together with you as a leader and it can be your direct reports and the people who have worked for them, your peers , your bosses and everyone who were part of your work. One of  my former boss Ronald once told me that whenever i recruit i should aim for someone better than me, which has always left a lasting impression in my mind because it shows the determination of a leader who is fully secure about himself and has the courage to build a team who can challenge him/her. Many a times i have been asked in conferences and round table discussions of how you can be certain that you have a good team. Here is a few quick checklist that may give you an idea if your team is the one who is going to make you successful.

 ·       Do you have a team which comprises of people who you can be better than you one day if they are in your role?

·       Do you have a team which is ready to challenge you privately and support you openly?

·       Do you have a team which is diverse enough?

·       Does your team feel that you stand up for them and take care of them when they really need you?

·       Are you value adding to your team?

Though the above may not fully describe a team which is going to make you, if you do well in most of these areas you are surely on the right track to building a team which is going is going to lead from the front for your success.