The best advice I have received …
When I decided to leave my role at the College, the hardest part wasn’t leaving the job itself—it was leaving my team. We weren’t perfect, but we were good. We cared about each other, made meaningful contributions to our community, shared laughs, and celebrated both individual and team successes.
As I charted my next professional steps, I reconnected with former colleagues, students, and friends. During one of those conversations, a friend and former staff member asked me, “What’s been the biggest challenge in starting something new?” Without hesitation, I replied, “Not having a team.” His response was simple but profound: “John, just make one.”
That statement stuck with me. For the first time in my career, I wasn’t stepping into a ready-made team or predefined tasks. I had to build both from scratch. It’s a deceptively simple idea—creating a team—but much more complex in practice. In a workplace, structures and incentives naturally bring people together. On your own, you must craft those incentives thoughtfully.
Building a Team from Scratch
I’ve learned that asking for help is a powerful incentive for others. Most people are willing to help if you ask—but how you ask matters. Be specific, align your request with their strengths, and make it as low-cost for them as possible while high-value for you. A gracious and thoughtful approach can make all the difference. Even if they can’t help now, leaving a positive impression could lead to support in the future.
Equally important is reciprocity—not as a transaction, but as a way to bring value to others. Offering genuine help builds trust and goodwill. Over time, those moments of care and support build your reputation, which can be your greatest asset when forming a team.
Reputation is Everything
I’ve discovered that people often join your team not because of what you’ve done for them directly, but because of how you’ve treated them—or because someone else spoke highly of you. It’s not just about reciprocity in tasks; it’s about cultivating a reputation centered on respect, kindness, and authenticity.
Conversely, negative past behaviors can make building a team more difficult. Your future team starts with how you treat people today. Throughout my career, I’ve intentionally tried to help others succeed, not for personal gain, but because it felt right. That approach, built over time, has created a foundation of trust and connection I now rely on.
Moving Forward
As I move into the next chapter of my career, I carry my friend’s advice—“just make one”—with me. Building a team is still a challenge, but I’m learning. For anyone looking to form their own team, remember this: your past actions echo into your future opportunities. Help others without expectation, build a reputation rooted in care, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
If you’re unsure what you need—or even if you need someone on your team—don’t hold back. Share your ideas and put yourself out there. Vulnerability and transparency are your superpowers for attracting both people and opportunities.
Innovation thrives on unexpected connections, those "collisions" with others that spark new ideas and new relationships. And let’s face it—innovation is a cornerstone of great leadership. But here’s the thing: if you’re not out in the world, those collisions simply won’t happen.
If you’re building a team and think I can be a part of it, let’s connect. Perhaps we can help each other grow and create something meaningful together.
