My top priority in my career transition is to join a great team.

 It’s the people, stupid.

What makes a great team?

I am so serious about joining a great team that I interviewed people I know who have led successful teams, are effective leaders, and were part of successful teams during a golden age at their companies. I loved their insights, and the common theme was that great teams are composed of great people united around a vision and mission that was bigger than themselves.

Teams united by a shared sense of purpose and values are a catalyst for success, and that is what I am looking for as I transition into a new career.

Of course, great teams are led by effective leaders, and I told those I interviewed to have their answers ready on what makes an effective leader, because that will be my next question.

People have asked what type of team I would like to join. I am open to however the team shows up. It could be a creative team, a volunteer team around a cause I am passionate about, a professional team, or even a personal team. I am open to all possibilities.

I am not just looking to join a team for my own glory. I want to join a team to learn, grow, push myself, and contribute to the mission that the team has dedicated itself to. I will join a great team and build deep, enduring relationships with people. Great teams are how we become great. As sociologist Dan Chambliss says, “If you want to be a great swimmer, then join a great team.”

All of the great things that happen in life happen because of people working together, and that’s the centerpiece of the next volume of my life

It’s the people, stupid!!