Building Teams Who Can Get It Done Without Supervision With Rich Johnson

What this episode covers

Team building is a process of getting the right people to work on a project. It is not just about hiring the best people for the job. It is about creating an environment where people can succeed. It requires a new set of skills: leadership, empathy and emotional intelligence. These skills are crucial for any manager or team leader to be successful in today's workplace. Joining us in this episode is Rich Johnson. He is a leadership development consultant and CEO of KaizenMindset. He helps busy bosses develop planning, accountability, leadership, and management skills. Rich explores how companies could build teams who can get work done without supervision. Fun team building activities are an important part of the company culture. The ultimate goal of team building is to create a cohesive and well-functioning team. This team will lead to better performance and results. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at fun team building activities. How can every team member work for efficient work systems? Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode: Learn how to initiate a new team member into your company Discover how to enhance connection skills among employees through team bonding Gain insights and strategies to help a team member develop leadership skills Resources Know more about Rich Johnson Check out KaizenMindset Connect with Rich on Instagram Episode Highlights [03:09] How Rich Started in Leadership and Team Building Exercise Rich’s father was a manager in a parcel delivery firm when he was growing up. His mother worked in a retail chain after going to an accounting school. He was a shy kid and got bullied in school. But he overcame it and matured over it. After a while, he decided to join the military. He went outside his hometown, and saw the world for himself. The military drafted him in their basic training. Because of the environment he was in, he came out of his shell more and more. There, he realized he wanted to be a part of a team and be a team player. He added that if you’re not a team player, you won’t survive. Being part of a successful team is a huge deal. You know someone covers you, even by just one team leader. [13:12] Challenges in Team Building Rich says the military basic training is a gradual process. There is a science behind it if you look at it in the cognitive way. Physical training in distributed teams is difficult. Why? It aims to extend your physical capacity to its limit. It is helpful because it trains your discipline, grit, and motivation. One of the challenges he experienced during the military training was relating to seniors. Because of the age gap between him and his fellow trainees, he had a difficult time linking with them. Another challenge he faced is the misconception he and the public have about the rigid hierarchy in the military. This hierarchy could hamper team building activity and leadership. That is one thing he wants to correct and put a light into to promote public awareness. [26:00] How To Create An Effective Business Hierarchy The business hierarchy that Rich designs is skills-based. Team building activities may begin here. Some businesses want to expand their roles. Rich steps in to help them with that. He first asks the important questions. What is your strategy? What is the vision you want to realize? What does it look like? What is the team leader you want to have? How do you want to build that team leader? It’s a fun activity! During the process of creat