Building a Committed Team: The First Two Actions

At Path For Growth, we're excited to share content we've collaborated on with Rusty Fulling and the team at Fulling Management and Accounting, our trusted partner for finance and accounting. When discussing team building with Rusty, we were really inspired by the way he thinks about commitment as an essential ingredient for building a healthy, impact-driven business.

Drawing from Rusty's 25 years of experience and the lessons he's learned along the way, we've identified five key actions that create a culture of commitment. Today, we'll explore the first two fundamental actions that set the stage for building an exceptional team.

Action 1: Hire People You Want to Be Committed To

Many leaders make the mistake of hiring out of immediate necessity rather than true alignment. As Rusty Fulling shares from his experience, "In the first 10 years, maybe in the first five years, we probably went through 15 team members, just making those mistakes. Hiring friends just because they're friends - they may not be skilled, they may not fit the culture."

Why This Matters

A misaligned hire affects more than just performance. It impacts your entire team culture and the way you serve your customers. The key is to stop trying to be the hero. As Rusty notes, "Stop trying to fix people when you hire them. You're not the hero. Sometimes we think, 'I can help them get through this crisis, and they'll be great,' but that's not always the best fit for the team."

How to Make Better Hiring Decisions

1. Define Success Before You Hire
   
   • Create clear success statements for each role
   • Make the hiring process objective, not subjective
   • Know what winning looks like in the position
2. Establish a Consistent Hiring Process
   
   • Involve your team in hiring decisions
   • Listen to feedback and potential red flags
   • Don't rush to fill positions
3. Focus on Cultural Alignment
   
   • Define your core values before hiring
   • Look beyond just skills and experience
   • Ensure candidates align with your mission

Action 2: Be a Committed LeaderYour team's commitment level will mirror your own. Leadership isn't about demanding loyalty to you as a person - it's about fostering commitment to the mission and vision of the company.The Power of ConsistencyAs discussed in the podcast, great leaders provide stability through consistent behavior. Your team should know what to expect from you in both high and low moments. This consistency builds trust and enables long-term commitment.Elements of Committed Leadership

1. Lead with an Open Hand
   
   • As Rusty explains, "When it becomes all about you, it becomes very inward. You almost start clutching instead of leading with an open hand. A leader with an open hand gives, receives, and creates space for others to grow."
   • Focus on the mission beyond yourself
   • Create space for others to develop
2. Show Up During Crisis
   
   • Maintain consistency during challenging times
   • Demonstrate grace while maintaining standards
   • Build financial margin to support team members in difficult seasons
3. Balance Support with Standards
   
   • Be clear about expectations
   • Provide resources for success
   • Avoid enabling while remaining committed

Looking AheadBuilding a committed team requires intentional actions and patience. Start by evaluating your hiring practices and leadership approach. These foundations will shape your team's culture for years to come.

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‍Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll reveal the final three actions for building a deeply committed, high-performing team.For expert guidance on building a financially sound and committed team, visit our partners at Fulling Management and Accounting.