There were a few things I learned along the way, as a teammate, a subcontractor and a contractor. Here are a few of them:

1. Communicate Accountability

Accountability is huge when working with others. People need to know what to expect from you and you need to make sure and set those expectations correctly. If you are not going to be able to deliver on your part of the project for a week let clients and teammates know that so they’re not expecting it the next day. Make sure you meet your deadlines, and let your team know asap if you realize you’re not going to meet a deadline. Be the person on the team that people can rely on and they’ll love working with you.

2. Communicate Consistently

Whether its a daily call or a weekly email your team should be communicating at consistent times to keep everyone on the same page. Team members should never have to wonder where a project is or what they are supposed to be doing next on a project.

Also as much as possible, pick a consistent way to communicate. How do you and your team prefer to communicate otherwise? There are hundreds of tools out there for keeping teams updated – try some out and find the one that works best for your team.

The more you can get this communication down in writing the better. That way everyone can be part of the conversation and  you can go back and review if questions or issues arise.

3. Communicate Personally

When you work with people on a team you’re working towards a common goal. Fancy corporate-speak and formal wording is unnecessary, especially the longer you work with someone. I’m not saying be a slob and fill your emails with cursing, but communicate personably while being professional.

Also this is your team you’re working with – so get to know them! Learning a little more about people’s personal life helps you understand them – how they tackle problems and handle situations. It also makes it easier and more fun to work towards a common goal with people you know and enjoy.

4. Communicate Feedback

The point of working on a team is that you’re better together than alone. Therefore get everyone involved on a project to produce better results. Make it easy and acceptable for your team to give each other (and you!) feedback. Then, don’t just brush it off. Even if you don’t implement their feedback talk about why and make sure they know their thoughts were heard.

Learning to accept feedback graciously about your part of the project is skill that you need to learn if you’re going to work on a team. See constructive criticism for what it is – other people trying to help make the finished product better!

5. Communicate Expectations

Let people know what you are expecting from them. And again, putting this in writing of some form is really crucial. Its important to communicate to people working for you what you expect them to deliver to you, and when you expect it. It makes their job easier if they don’t have to guess what you are wanting or needing from them.

One person that’s really taught me a lot about working on teams is Shane of Shane&Peter. He’s kind of a working-with-teams guru. Check out his extremely popular presentation on working with Distributed Teams.

Or, read one of these:

1. Working from Anywhere
2. What We can Learn about Business from Basketball
3. Team Wilson Book

Build a Great Team

Professional teams don’t just happen by coincidence.  They are built over years of trading, drafting, and recruiting.  Managers spend lots of time and money getting the exact person they need to complete their roster, even down to their bench players.

Choose your team carefully too.  Look for people with a strong work ethic who are willing excited to learn and contribute.  Even if you find a player with lots of experience, make sure their head is still in the game.  Each player on your team should be interested in helping the whole team get to victory.  Don’t grab the first Joe to apply for your new position, be as rigorous in finding that perfect person as an NBA manager.

Even if you are a single-person business like me, you can still build a great team.  Friends and family can provide support, local business owners can be great for helping with ideas, and industry contacts can help give feedback on specific projects.

Be a team player

Its a well know phrase that “great players make everyone around them better.”  It is a thing of greatness to watch a superstar elevate an entire team’s performance during a game.  Amazing passes, high energy and confidence in others inspire everyone to be awesome.

So, once you have that great team in place don’t ruin it by still trying to do everything yourself.  Its imperative that you know what each of your teammates does best and give them those shots. Have confidence that they can make the play, then let them do their jobs.  Lastly, as the leader encourage them when they put the ball in the net.

Get a Good Coach

Why do you think the Chicago Bulls won 6 championships and the LA Lakers grabbed 3 NBA Finals in a row?  Sure, it had something to do with Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Shaq.  But don’t count out the fact that they were all coached by the same person.  Phil Jackson led both teams to the Finals over and over again.

A great coach makes teams and players reach new heights.  That’s why we all need one.  Whether it be a life coach, a business mentor, or a paid consultant – look to others to give you advice on how to make your business even better!  With an outside perspective and practical knowledge they can challenge your team to grow and win.

Don’t get a Tech

In basketball, as in many sports, unsportsmanlike conduct can get you penalized or taken out of the game completely.  This can be a serious detriment to your team and your game.  Just as hazardous – fans often think less of players for poor behavior. (Ok, this video isn’t basketball, but it fits the idea.  Watch Serena Williams lose the US Open semis for going…crazy)

Its the same way in business.  Keep your cool, don’t let business decisions get too personal.  Make sure you are on your best behavior when around customers.  Be honest with your team and yourself.  Don’t cheat others, treat everyone well.  Don’t give current or potential clients a reason to hear negative feedback about your performance.

What else can we learn from basketball?  Leave your great ideas in the comments!

Or, read one of these:

1. Young Business – Part 4
2. Young Business – Part 5
3. Young Business – Part 2