Prior to starting my own agency, I sought advice from a highly successful business owner  on how he consistently achieved success in his own ventures and advised public companies. He imparted a simple yet profound truth that resonated with me as my own business grew: “It is all about the people.”

Initially lacking the requisite experience and empathy to lead a team, I made mistakes and struggled to provide effective leadership during trying times. Investing in one’s business can be both time-consuming and financially challenging, and it can be difficult to maintain a necessary distance from this investment to focus on what truly matters for positive growth.

However, I have actively worked on this over the years, and the truth remains as simple as it was first stated: “It is all about the people.” The team is the backbone of any business, consisting of passionate individuals who advocate for the work produced and relish the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals. Mutual respect between team members, alongside the enjoyment derived from collective success, further strengthens team dynamics.

Although passions can fluctuate and progress may occasionally stall, it is essential to prioritize the enjoyment of the team. Based on my extensive experience in the technology industry, I have found that an individual’s perceived enjoyment in their role is directly linked to the enthusiasm, humor, and support expressed during daily meetings and collaborations.

It is very easy to fall back to finger pointing and blame when the path is shaken, however, it is vital to stand behind your team, to shield them from stress, and to identify areas for improvement. You are responsible for taking on the stress and you are responsible for understanding where the gaps are.

I guarantee that if you respect your team and advocate for each and every one of them, they will do the same with you and share in the journey.