WordCamp Atlanta - Go Far Together

Cory J. Miller Founder, iThemes.com

Go Far TogetherLessons Learned from

6 Years of Team Building

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go

far, go together.”—African Proverb

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Individuals don’t climb mountains. Teams do.

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A Group of Supremely Talented People Committed to

Go Far Together

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We’ve broken most of the rules

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LESSON #1

Ensure the Right Fit

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“A suitable quality, standard or type to

meet required purpose”

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Do they align with who we are?

Will we like working with them?

Can they do the job?

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Do they believe in where we’re going?

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Many mistakes, misalignments & misfires here

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LESSON #2

Nurture Belonging

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Everybody wants to belong

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Our logo is their symbol of belonging

!

(for our customers too)

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i.e. Shirts, Hoodies, Stickers and being

one of us

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Team is family

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CARE

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Giving recognition & credit where it is

rightly due

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Best way to nurture belonging?

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Quality Time Together

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Like playing Mario Kart

until 1:30 a.m.

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Creating belonging with spouses too

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But belonging is also Earned

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Showing up & doing the work

!

Whatever it takes !

Day in, Day out Consistently

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LESSON #3

Reward Contribution

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Performance, Effort & Commitment

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Doesn’t always mean money

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i.e., a simple thank you, recognition, travel, dinners …

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Learning their Love Language

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Uniquely showing each person they are

special, valued & appreciated

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LESSON #4

Foster Learning

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No one has magically arrived

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Investing in people shows you care

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Helping them blossom & bloom

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i.e., Kindles library, conferences,

‘learn & grow’ days, mentoring

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Giving them BIG challenges,

then supporting & celebrating their work

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LESSON #5

Protect From Inside & Outside Forces

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Outside noise & distractions

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Inside poisonous & destructive elements

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I am the supreme protector of our family

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LESSON #6

Expect Commitment

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Commitment should be the natural result

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All in, one for all, all for one,

no exceptions

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1. Ensure the right fit 2. Nurture belonging 3. Reward contribution 4. Foster learning 5. Protect from destructive forces 6. Expect commitment

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NOW… !

What awesome summits will you climb together?

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What legends, stories & memories will you

create together?

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T H I S I S M E !

cory@iThemes.com @corymiller303