Feeding The Hunger: How to bring out the best in your people
Founders love to talk to me about numbers. Don’t get me wrong, ROI, TIM/TAM/SOM, it all matters. But oftentimes the critical factor that makes or breaks an early-stage tech investment for me is the people. I’ve talked before about empathetic leadership, the importance of communication, having a culture where mission and values are core pillars and other factors that influence the effectiveness and project the future success of a founder and their leadership team. The fact is that the collective potential of a team is not merely a sum of individual abilities but a result of effective leadership and fostering an environment that brings out the best in each person. As an angel investor with a vested interest in maximizing human potential, here are my top strategies for feeding the hunger within your people and unleashing their full capabilities.
9 simple tips for bringing out the best in your people (and yourself).
1. Cultivate a Visionary Culture:
None of us got into this because we like working in spreadsheets under fluorescent lights. Entrepreneurs are creative, dynamic, and passionate. Your culture should reflect that. A visionary culture is the bedrock for bringing out the best in your people. Clearly articulate the organization’s mission, values, and long-term goals, and ensure they are communicated consistently and in a way that makes people feel seen, heard, represented, and valued. When employees understand and believe in the purpose behind their work, they are more motivated and driven to excel.
2. Nurture Individual Growth:
Never stop growing. And never let your people stop either. Recognize that every employee has unique strengths and aspirations. They’re not the same and they need diverse opportunities to grow and succeed that are relevant to their own goals. Encourage continuous learning and professional development opportunities that align with their interests and skill sets. Provide mentorship programs, training workshops, and resources to help employees expand their knowledge and acquire new skills. This investment in their growth will fuel their hunger for success.
3. Foster a Supportive Environment:
Success is impossible without risk. And you don’t know everything. Yeah, you’re the boss and this is your show. You’ll be shocked at how much you can learn from the people you entrust to do the daily tasks within your organization. Listen to them. Create a work environment that fosters collaboration, trust, and open communication. Encourage employees to share ideas, provide feedback, and actively participate in decision-making processes. Foster a sense of psychological safety. They’ll feel empowered to take risks, be innovative, and contribute their best ideas without fear of judgment or retribution.
4. Set Clear Expectations and Goals:
Clarity. Transparency. These are your friends and allies. Clearly define performance expectations and set measurable goals for your employees. Ensure that these objectives are challenging yet attainable, providing individuals with a sense of purpose and direction. Regularly provide constructive feedback, acknowledge achievements, and offer growth opportunities. When employees know what is expected of them and receive guidance on their progress, they are motivated to perform at their best.
5. Empower Ownership and Autonomy:
Delegate. I know, it’s hard. But you have to do it. Delegate responsibilities and empower employees to make decisions within their roles. Encourage autonomy and give them the freedom to innovate and experiment. When individuals feel trusted and have ownership over their work, they become more invested in its success and are motivated to bring their best ideas and efforts forward.
6. Foster a Culture of Recognition:
Give credit where credit is due. Celebrate your people and their achievements – professional and otherwise. Acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of your team members regularly. Celebrate achievements, milestones, and exceptional performances openly. Recognize both individual and team accomplishments to foster a positive and encouraging work atmosphere. Take the time to know and recognize them as people who exist outside of your office walls. A culture of recognition fuels motivation, enhances engagement, and drives continuous improvement.
7. Promote Work-Life Balance:
And you have to walk the walk, too. If you’re in the office and replying to emails at 1 am, your team will think they have to do the same. Recognize the importance of work-life balance in nurturing productivity and well-being. Encourage employees to maintain healthy boundaries between work and personal life. Offer flexible working arrangements, wellness programs, and opportunities for personal rejuvenation. A balanced lifestyle allows individuals to bring their best selves to work, fostering creativity, and productivity.
8. Lead by Example:
Be a leader. Your behavior sets the tone for the entire organization. Lead by example, with the qualities and values you expect from your employees. Demonstrate integrity, empathy, and accountability in your actions. Show genuine interest in the well-being and growth of your team members. When leaders embody the desired qualities, they inspire and motivate their people to follow suit.
9. Embrace Diversity and Inclusion:
We are better because of our unique qualities, skills, and perspectives. Part of the reason I have spent a year living in Italy is to force myself to take on new perspectives, experiences, and risks. Foster a culture that celebrates diversity and values inclusion. Recognizing the unique perspectives, skills, and experience is what will set you apart, not hold you back. You would not want a company filled with clones of yourself, trust me.
Your people are your most important investment.
I wasn’t always an angel investor or a successful entrepreneur. I launched startups that failed. I was fired from my own company. I worked for companies big and small as an employee, too. I’ve seen every side of this world, and I can tell you one thing for certain: there is no investment more important than the investment in the teams you’re entrusting to help you succeed. Culture relies on buy-in from the top down. Make sure you and your leadership team are displaying the qualities and values that you want for your organization and recognize that your success (and attractiveness to investors) largely depends on it. If you’ve got an early-stage tech startup with a thriving, people-focused culture, let’s talk.
Enjoy the ride.
