Does your organization struggle with decision-making and politics?
You’re not alone. Many C-Suite executives are frustrated by their lack of execution and the politics that plague their organizations.
According to McKinsey, only 38% of CEOs’ direct reports feel their Core Team is focused on the work that truly benefits from an executive perspective. Why does this happen? It’s because the Core Team doesn’t know how to work together. They don’t treat themselves as the First Team focused on solving the company’s biggest challenges. When the Core Team has indecision, the teams below are constantly battling over issues that can’t be solved, wasting time, money, and resources. The other issue is because they don’t think of the Core Team as the First Team, meaning their individual team is more important. That’s where the politics creep in.
Leaders, if this is happening in your organization, here are the keys to success:
- Team Composition: The CEO must ensure they have the right people on the Core Team. Patrick Lencioni emphasizes looking for employees at all levels who are Hungry, Humble, and People Smart (high emotional intelligence). This is especially critical for the Core Team. Jim Collins also highlights having the right people on the bus. Knowing this and living this as a leader are two different things.
- Teamwork Practice: The CEO must set expectations with the Core Team that they are the First Team. They must understand, agree, and commit that it’s the First Team that makes key decisions for the company, and this comes BEFORE the leaders’ individual teams. This is non-negotiable.
- Behavioral Assessments: Invest in having behavioral assessments for your Core Team and discuss as a team. This can’t be a “one and done.” If you truly want to be aligned and execute as a company, the Core Team must understand each other. I’m a big fan of having all employees take an assessment before you hire them. It’s hard to create teamwork at all levels if people don’t understand each other and how best to work together.
- Environment for Debate and Respect: Create an environment where friendly debate and respect are practiced. This is what separates good companies from GREAT companies.
- Operating Rhythm: The Core Team needs to discuss, agree, and commit to key meetings and what they will accomplish in each meeting:
- When and how often do they discuss key strategic plans, ideas, and make decisions on direction?
- When and how often do they want to discuss key issues/problems and how the Core Team will solve them?
- When and how often do strategic plan updates and tactical decisions get made?
Building a cohesive and effective Core Team is essential for overcoming internal politics and enhancing decision-making within your organization. By focusing on the right team composition, establishing clear teamwork practices, investing in behavioral assessments, fostering an environment of respectful debate, and committing to a well-defined operating rhythm, you can transform your leadership team into a powerful engine for strategic execution and organizational success.
Ready to take your Core Team to the next level? Contact us today to learn how we can help you build a First Team that drives alignment, accountability, and execution throughout your organization. Let’s work together to turn your leadership challenges into opportunities for growth and success.