At a “strategies for full team engagement” presentation I did a while ago, I was asked, “What comes first: a team with great chemistry that generates success or great success that generates team chemistry?”

For me, this isn’t a “chicken and egg” question. In my experience, a team with great chemistry will generate success faster than when success finds the team.

Leadership Tip
Be intentional about building a team with fantastic chemistry.

When you do, “sustainable” growth and employee engagement will follow.

A critical element of achieving high levels of team chemistry is ensuring an alignment of values with the organization and with the teammates. Skill sets, backgrounds, and experience might differ, but values must line up.

What kind of values? Work ethic, integrity, customer focus, attention to detail, having fun, and discretionary effort come to mind.

To ensure great team chemistry, begin in the recruiting and hiring processes.

• Identify candidates who share the desired values and target them as potential teammates.
• Have the team (or some members of the team) be involved in the selection process.
• During the hiring period, take time to verify you’ve made the right choice.

As a leader, you’re responsible to assemble a strong team and create an environment in which team members can develop great chemistry. Together, they will produce better results faster than teams that lack chemistry—and they make leaders look great!