When was the last time that you thought: “I need another team member, but I have no idea where to start the process?” Or, “I know that I want to bring on another team member, but I’m not sure what I want this person to do.” You may not be crystal clear about your vision for the future of your future team, and that will make the hiring process very challenging. If you take the “I’ll know when it’s the right person when I meet him/her” approach, you may never find that person.
Consider starting your team expansion process by sketching out an organizational chart. Start with your current team, and document each person and the reporting or accountability lines according to what’s happening today. Then consider where the prospective new team member would be positioned; who he or she would “report” to; how that might affect the current team dynamic; how that would alleviate capacity issues; and how it would enable you to grow your practice.
Teams should always be expanded for the right reasons, at the right time, with, of course, the right person. But landing on that “right person” is a process that needs to start with your own reflection. The position you thought you needed when you begin the process may not be the person you realize you need once you start to analyze the team organizational chart, capacity and skill set challenges and needs. Be open with yourself to explore all avenues. The exploration process can be extremely clarifying for you as well.
When thinking about team member roles and responsibilities, consider the following:
This framework can help you focus in on the primary responsibilities without gaps and overlaps in human power!