How do you select the right team member for success?

As Roy Hodgson announces his 23-man England squad for the 2016 European Championship in France, amid much debate, we ask how do you go about selecting the right team member for a business project?

Whether it be speaking at a conference, representing your business at a meeting, carrying out a media interview or taking the lead on a new project or piece of research, choosing the right team member is essential. Read on for some tips…

Cast your net widely

Try not to pigeon-hole your staff. Although they might be doing a great job for you in one area of the business there may be skills that they are not using that could benefit you in different situations. Go back to basics and take a look at their CV to remind yourself of what skills they’ve previously acquired and what they’ve accomplished in other jobs – you might be surprised!

Provide the right training

Even if you’re a small business with limited time and resources setting aside some time for training can be a real benefit. Not only does it give your staff more skills but it also enables you to see the areas in which they shine. This is true of the skills they already have as well the ways in which they respond in different situations and environments. For example, the employee who is cool under pressure might be the one you choose to represent your business at a large event in future.

Play to your team's strengths

You may have a team member who is confident and eloquent in the office but who crumbles in a pitching or sales situation. Equally, there may be members of your team who are reserved in the office but who express themselves well in external situations. Take the time to observe the characteristics of your employees so you can work out how to get the best out of them.

Identify your own weaknesses 

Some people are better than others at identifying their own areas of weakness. As a business owner or manager it’s a skill worth acquiring as it can help you to identify the members of your team that you need to support you with different tasks and projects. For example, if you’re an ‘ideas’ person and creative thinker then you might want support from a team member who is more of a pragmatist for their contribution to a meeting, project or research.

Encourage new talent as well as experience

Whilst it may be tempting to save the business showcasing moments for the more experienced members of a team it’s important to recognise the skills and fresh approach that younger, less experienced members may bring to a project. Just because one member of staff has always led on research or new projects doesn't mean that you can't mix it up based on the skills of your staff. Roy Hodgson's Euro 2016 squad is the youngest since 1958!

Be prepared to explain your decision

As Roy Hodgson’s no doubt experiencing this week it’s not easy to let down team members who don’t quite make the grade for the task in hand. It is particularly disappointing for an ambitious and hard-working team member and they might not understand why they haven’t been picked for a specific project or task. Honesty is the best policy here and your employees will respect a manager who explains the reasons for their decision.

Lucy Liddiard