How to build the right team for start-up success

Having been involved in nurturing startups through our experiential MBA programme in Tangaza, we know you succeed or fail not on the strength of your idea or product, but on the strength of your team.

Venture capitalists fund teams not business plans, as they know these plans can change as market conditions vary and new opportunities present themselves. They are looking for a solid team that can make these adjustments and quickly identify a winning strategy.

Here are four ways to help you get the team you need:

1. Find a rallying call

For teams to be motivated to move beyond their immediate roles, they need to get excited about something. Our alumnus, Lipisha, has a team working hard to enable businesses automatically receive and process non-cash payments and micro-payments; m-Farm has a team motivated to provide up-to-date market prices direct to farmers.

2. Expand performance areas

Assemble people who have different experiences, and then assign them broader objectives — like launching a new product or solving a problem — so they are not just working in traditional sectors like accounting or marketing.

These team members still have roles and responsibilities to ensure basic operational functions, but they are also given the responsibility to build the bigger picture.

3. Cultivate healthy dynamics

Teams work best when a feeling of comradeship exists among them, and when they trust everyone is being treated fairly. This requires good communication, honesty and transparency.

If conflict arises, deal with it immediately, and encourage team members to share their challenges and frustrations in a productive way for resolution.

4. Provide incentives

Teams need to know what you expect for them to be successful, which includes outcomes and measurements.

Too many start-ups get hung up on roles and processes, which inhibit teams from taking risks and being entrepreneurial within the organisation.

Give your team opportunities — such as public recognition and financial rewards — to share in your success. This approach helps your employees show up to work every day feeling like they own the company and are responsible for its success.