If you’ve been fortunate enough to find good people who share your company values and are keen to be part of your success, then you’re half-way there.
A happy, productive team looks effortless to the outside world, but takes continuous work to maintain.
The important thing now is to ensure their first few months live up to their expectations, so here are a few tips:

• Be really clear about what you expect from your team
This includes their specific roles and responsibilities as well as critical rules on time-keeping, dress code, conduct, language, etc. Managers usually ignore these, assuming they’ve employed adults and therefore should not have to waste time on the details. But ask those same managers how much time they waste dealing with niggles and disciplinary issues. Boundaries are good for a team and help people to concentrate on their job, rather than get distracted by petty squabbles.

• Hold regular team meetings, even if you think you don’t need them
Keep them interesting, fun and interactive, and encourage participation, feedback and new ideas. Use my free top tips for more success.

• While you’re considering each team member’s strengths and weaknesses, think about profiling them
This will give you valuable, impartial insight into their motivations, work preferences, emotional intelligence and stress triggers.  You’ll then be able to adapt your management style to get the best out of each individual. Start with a free Personality Test.

• Have regular reviews with individuals and the team
Don’t wait until the end of the probation period or annual appraisal to give and receive feedback. As managers, your team are watching you all the time for cues on their own behaviour. If you’re moody, tired, depressed, anxious, stressed or frustrated with a customer or colleague, master the art of leaving that as far from the office / salon / shop as possible. Your job is to smile and be enthusiastic, even when you’d rather be under the duvet!