BizTips from SCORE – Building Blocks for High Performing Teams

BizTips from SCORE – Building Blocks for High Performing Teams

1  Start With Clarity

• Define your mission, values, and customer-service standards.
• Use one-page job scorecards instead of long job descriptions.
• Begin each day (or at least weekly) with a brief team huddle to set expectations.

2  Build Trust Quickly

• Use short “get-to-know-you” activities during onboarding.
• Model calm, steady leadership—especially during peak summer rushes.
• Encourage questions and create private channels for feedback.

3  Communicate Simply and Often

• Use clear communication tools: whiteboards, group chats, laminated cheat sheets.
• Repeat key instructions and use closed-loop communication (“Tell me what you heard.”).
• End each shift with a 2-minute debrief: What worked? What needs adjusting tomorrow?

4  Define Roles and Streamline Processes

• Make responsibilities unmistakable: who greets, who preps, who checks in, who runs the dock.
• Standardize tasks using checklists, diagrams, and step-by-step job aids.
• Cross-train to reduce bottlenecks and improve flexibility during peak hours.

5  Lead With Supportive Accountability

• Set clear standards and coach in real time—short, respectful, specific feedback.
• Correct privately and praise publicly.
• Focus on effort, behavior, and improvement, not blame.

6  Encourage Collaboration

• Use a “shift buddy” system for new hires.
• Reinforce a “we over me” mindset—celebrate moments of teamwork.
• Create quick opportunities for bonding, like a pre-season cookout or mid-season appreciation day.

7  Recognize and Appreciate Your Team

• Acknowledge wins often—small praise makes a big impact.
• Use shout-out boards, small rewards, and social-media highlights.
• Insert appreciation into daily huddles and weekly wrap-ups.

 8  Practice Continuous Improvement

• Hold a post-season recap meeting to capture lessons while they’re fresh.
• Identify what needs to change, what should stay, and who you want back next year.
• Build a “Season Playbook” to improve systems year after year.