This Thing Called Chemistry

16 Years ago I had a heart attack. One year later I had my 2nd myocardial infarction.

Thanks to the Mercy and Grace of a loving God along with advanced medical technology  available today, I have been blessed  with fabulous health for the past 15 years.


 I'm still able to do what a lot of guys much younger than me who can't or won't do. I routinely run, snow and water ski, lift and now I'm hooked on my latest water sport SUP(youtube it. SUP fitness or SUP racing.)
 

Recently I visited my new cardiologist. A brilliant Greek guy who knows a lot and kind of a "know it all." While engaged in a fascinating discussion concerning the medication I am now taking, and have taken for years, his explanation of the chemical components of each drug and how they interact with other drugs and the benefits and draw backs of each, was enlightening to say the least.

 

Needless to say, I pondered the subject of chemistry with this definition from Webster, a: the composition and chemical properties of a substance chemistry

b: chemical processes and phenomena (as of an organism) chemistry

 

Later in the week, I was reading about the Arkansas Razorback baseball team and the search to find the right "chemistry" in the line up of players in order to improve their winning record.

 

Because my brain works in strange ways I began to think (probably too much) about the "chemistry" of successful and unsuccessful companies. Particularly the management teams of those companies.

 

Websters definition continued...

b: interaction between people working together; specifically: such interaction when harmonious or effective chemistry

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Much has been written about, consulted about, seminared about the subject of building teams in the work force.
 

I have watched a 3 person top executive team go from terrific to dysfunctional because one person left the trio, a new person was inserted in her place and the whole dynamics and effectiveness changed. Knowing the "x's" and "O's" of a function or position is not enough for building the team to compete successfully.

 

Having worked with so many different organizations I'm acutely aware of the "chemistry" among department managers, employees and top executives. Over the years I have been frustrated, encouraged, puzzled by the lack of consideration and/or action to find that perfect blend, to that thing we call "chemistry."

 I have assisted many of my clients over the years in the hiring selection process determining how the candidates being considered might possibly mix with the group they are about to join.

Just as a head coach is seeking, trading and buying the best talent, he is also looking what his purchase might bring or could possibly distract from the success of the team.

 I have proposed for years (even on this blog site) that leaders need to "dump" those who do not "fit" regardless of their MBA's, years of service or perceived loyalty as an excuse for hanging on to the "hanger on's." So what must a leader look for in finding that right chemistry?

1. Know what you value, which is just as important as matching "values."
 

2. Create a "engaged" culture.
 

3. Know the persons behavior tendencies, and how it might interact with others in the group.
 

4. Know what is needed beyond just the functional responsibility. However, knowing the "x's and "O's" are critical. Unable to perform the task will kill creditability and loss of respect from others in the group.
 

5. Set clear understanding of expectations and requirements.
 

6. Actively maintain an accountability process and then coach from it. This is a far cry from the tired, old, and mostly useless HR mandated Performance Review.
 

7. Be prepared to reward the team members who are valuable and get rid of those who just can't "make the cut." It is not personal. It's business and you're building your team!

 

Accomplishing the above can be done. I know because I have watched it happen with those who are serious enough to spend the time and effort necessary to building a winning team. If you have any questions about how to do this, or if you have special insights you would like to share, please let me know.

 

Now, go build your team and find the right "Chemistry" for a healthy organization, just like my Greek doctor finds the right chemistry for my healthy heart.