When I took over as CEO of Bigleaf in 2022, my first priority was to build a strong and effective team. This meant setting clear goals and aligning everyone with the company’s mission and vision, especially since our 102 employees are spread across 38 states. We started this journey with a lot of trial and error, as all successful strategies often do.
The real strength of a team comes from its people and how well their unique skills mesh. That’s why I put a lot of effort into developing our staff, offering ongoing training, promoting open communication, and making sure everyone feels appreciated and listened to. While we’ve succeeded in creating solid recruitment, training, and retention strategies, I also understand that markets and technologies are always changing. So, every day, I work on nurturing a flexible team that can easily adapt to new market demands, keeping Bigleaf at the cutting edge of technology and innovation.
One of our initial steps was making sure everyone knew the company’s goals and aspirations. We defined our product-market fit and value proposition, along with the milestones key to customer happiness. This forward-thinking approach helped everyone see their role clearly and take responsibility for contributing to Bigleaf’s ongoing success.
We also tied business objectives directly to job roles. For example, we use our Annual Revenue Run Rate (ARR) to measure growth. We check this annually to make sure everyone is heading in the right direction.
Beyond ARR, we focus on balancing different performance metrics. Prioritizing one over another can cause issues, so we carefully analyze and balance these metrics. We reward behaviors that align with our core business values, which has been very effective in achieving our goals and reducing the risk of unexpected problems.
Creating an environment where everyone feels safe to share ideas and challenge the status quo boosts our performance. Intellectual safety encourages creativity and open communication, allowing us to pioneer solutions to the unique challenges we face.
To prevent burnout, I first focus on keeping myself balanced. You can’t help others if you’re not okay yourself. We also make sure our mission and goals are clear so every task feels meaningful. Working remotely comes with its own perks and challenges. Some team members might feel micromanaged, while others see tracking as a way to stay focused. Nevertheless, building personal connections is vital. We regularly hold in-person meetings, monthly calls, and an annual company gathering to strengthen our sense of belonging and unity. These efforts are crucial for maintaining morale.
Learning from mistakes has taught us what it truly takes to build a high-performing team. There are no shortcuts in team development, especially in recruitment. While it’s tempting to take the easy path or rely on a single opinion, comprehensive training programs are worth the effort. Gradually integrating new hires into our company culture while setting clear expectations leads to better results and drives the business forward consistently. This realization has led us to place a strong emphasis on transparent and comprehensive recruitment and training methods, solidifying our status in the tech industry.
Moving forward, adaptability, curiosity, and open-mindedness guide us at Bigleaf. Our work requires flexibility and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. Resilience, commitment, and an open heart are essential for building a high-performance culture that focuses on team well-being and business growth. In sharing our journey, I aim to highlight that a company’s real strength lies in its culture and people. Investing in your team is crucial. Always be open to new ideas and insights, and don’t hesitate to seize opportunities when they arise. Building a successful business takes perseverance and learning from past mistakes.
