When you hear the word “team” what do YOU think of?  As a guy, when I hear the word “team” it conjures images of sports teams. Wikipedia defines “team” as a group of people linked in a common purpose. When we talk about sports teams the common purpose is simple: it’s to WIN. But when it comes to the people you employee in your small business it’s not so obvious.

Sure, you call them your team, but are they really a team? I’d say no, not if they don’t fully understand the common purpose of your business. And let’s say winning is the common purpose of your business, then how do you define winning in the context of your business? Well, I contend that really depends on what you define as your score, and how you share the score with the team.

So, unless you can get it all done in your business by yourself, these are important questions to consider. Especially if you’re the person responsible for the success of your business – I think you know who I’m talking about – you, the leader.