The Right People: A Guide to Choosing Partners and Building a Winning Team

Some people are comfortable complaining about their situation but aren’t uncomfortable enough to change it. Avoid working with them.

Chapter 1: Introduction – Why Choosing the Right People is Your Greatest Business Asset

Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges, victories, and invaluable lessons. One of the most important lessons? Who you work with will make or break your business.

Having the right partners, employees, and associates isn’t just about skills—it’s about alignment. A team that shares your vision, values, and work ethic will accelerate success. The wrong team will drain your resources, stall your growth, and even threaten your business’s survival.

This book provides proven strategies, real-world examples, and practical tests to help you determine who is truly invested in your mission and who isn’t.

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The Power of Culture – The 2004 Detroit Pistons Example

The 2004 Detroit Pistons weren’t the most talented team in the NBA. They faced the Los Angeles Lakers—a squad with Hall of Fame legends like Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, and Gary Payton. On paper, the Pistons didn’t stand a chance.

Yet, the Pistons won the NBA Championship in just five games. Why? Culture.

The Lakers were a collection of great individual players, but the Pistons operated as a cohesive unit. They had an unshakable work ethic, a relentless defensive mindset, and an understanding that everyone had a role to play.

Business Takeaway:

Talent alone won’t win. You need partners and employees who prioritize the team’s success over their own ego. Entrepreneurs must build a culture that values accountability, execution, and long-term commitment.

Would you rather have a business full of individuals looking out for themselves—or a team that moves together toward a common goal?

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How to Assess Potential Partners and Employees

Before committing to a partnership or hiring an employee, consider three key traits:

1. Are They Invested in the Mission?

A great partner or employee isn’t just looking for a paycheck—they care about your business’s purpose.

Test: The Extra Mile Challenge

Give them a small, optional task that adds value to the company.

• Do they complete it without being pushed?

• Do they go above and beyond?

Those who take initiative without being told will likely be strong long-term contributors.

2. Do They Desire and Accept Accountability?

Accountability means taking responsibility for both successes and failures.

Test: The Ownership Experiment

Next time an issue arises, watch their response:

• Do they take action and find solutions?

• Or do they make excuses and blame others?

Avoid people who refuse to own their results.

3. Are They Willing to Learn?

In business, adaptability is key. If a partner or hire resists learning new skills, they will hold your company back.

Test: The Learning Curve Challenge

Give them a problem that requires learning something new.

• Do they embrace the challenge?

• Or do they complain and resist?

A real entrepreneur is always learning.

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The Entrepreneur’s Responsibilities to Their Team

Success isn’t just about who you choose—it’s also about how you lead them.

1. Set Clear Communication Expectations

Ambiguity creates confusion and inefficiency. Clearly define expectations around:

• Deadlines – Don’t assume; document them.

• Meeting structures – Set weekly check-ins for accountability.

• Response times – How quickly should emails, texts, or calls be answered?