One of the most consistent problems I hear business owners gripe about are the challenges they face with managing employees. Most business owners would like to get more leverage through their employees. Having the employees operate like a winning team would allow more productive output and lead to increased revenue and profits. The team concept is vital to making the business as successful as it should be. Teams have superstars and players in the trenches, yet all play a vital part in the organization.

I recently read an article by Dr. John Maxwell on teamwork. He used the example of the New England Patriots who went to the Super Bowl in 2002; they did something that no other team has done before: Before the game, when every other team introduces its starters individually, New England came out as a team.

"No introductions. No names. No stars. Just 53 teammates coming onto the field as a single unit," wrote Sean Gormley, a columnist with Georgetown University's newspaper, The Hoya. "The significance of that entrance said more about this Patriots team than any analyst ever could, the ultimate sign of team before individual in an era of me-first go-where-the-money-is professional sports."

The Patriots upset the heavily favored Rams and showed by working together they could accomplish more through teamwork.
Do your business and its employees operate like a winning team? Whatever the answer may be, here are seven essential keys to developing a winning team:

1. Have a common goal. Why do you operate the business? What is your mission? As an owner you must have a clear idea of why you are in business. Make sure each team member is on board with what your goals are for the business and continue to reinforce their commitment to achieve the common goal and mission each day through various communication strategies.

2. Have strong leadership. The leadership comes from the owner and is passed down through the management team and onto the frontline workers. Is your leadership hierarchy clearly defined? What are the traits of a strong leader? Ask your team and see what they say. Are you exemplifying these traits?

3. Know the rules of the game. The rules for the business would be defined by the culture. Sometimes culture is written and followed; sometimes it is just "understood". Your team operates under certain assumptions about the business. The best way is to write down a culture statement and make sure the team knows it.

4. Have 100% inclusion of all team members. Each member is important and all should have input to maximize their job performance. The business wins together but the business can also lose together if not everyone is involved. Is your team 100% involved? Remember that Team stands for Together Everyone Achieves More.

5. Support risk taking. The best business owners rely on others judgment to make the best decisions. If the owner only wants his or her ideas then they are being short-sited. Getting input is important and game planning with others will overcome obstacles faced by the business. Sometimes risk and quick decisions about the business need to be made. Which opportunities have you missed because of poor decisions and failure to take risk?

6. Stay "above the line." Owners, managers and employees must play "above the line", meaning they take 'ownership', are 'accountable' for actions, and are 'responsible' to the team. Those who act below the line 'blame' others, offer 'excuses' and 'deny' it is their fault. Those who stay "above the line" are 'victors' in business and society, while those who play "below the line" become 'victims' in business and society.

7. Have an Action plan. Where is your business going? Do you have clear defined goals and an action plan for achieving those goals? As the saying goes, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!" Does your business have a roadmap where your team can clearly see both the destination and the path to get there?

Utilizing these seven keys can help solve the "employee" challenges business owners face each day and develop the essential core of a winning business. Because when the team wins, the business wins.

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