Great Teams Build Great Businesses

E Lucas
Sep 22, 2017
3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

“Not finance. Not strategy. Not technology. It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage, both because it is so powerful and so rare.” Patrick Lencioni, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

That quote has stuck with me for years and it still rings true.

No matter the size of your business, your team will make or break what you’re building. It’s more than just finding people who are talented. It’s about finding people who are committed, complementary, and built for the long haul.

When you’re just getting started, especially if you don’t have a proven track record yet, people aren’t betting on your idea. They’re betting on you. And if you’re building with others, they’re betting on your team.

Choose Your Co-Founder Like It Matters—Because It Does

One of the biggest decisions a founder will ever make is who they choose to build with. And yet, so many people rush into co-founder partnerships based on convenience or excitement, not compatibility. Here’s our best advice:

Nobody builds companies alone. But also, be very intentional about who you bring into your business.

A great co-founder doesn’t need to think like you, work like you, or come from the same background. In fact, the strongest teams we’ve seen are made up of people with complementary skills and opposite strengths. They're people who challenge each other in the best ways and stay grounded in mutual respect.

What to Look for in a Strong Partner

Over the years, we’ve noticed the most successful founders share a few key traits:

Determination – they keep going when things get tough
Resourcefulness – they know how to figure it out
Resilience – they bounce back after setbacks
Focus – they don’t chase every shiny object

And don’t underestimate communication. Not just with customers, but with each other. A strong team is more than just the skills they bring to the table. A strong team is able to communicate openly, give honest feedback, and stay aligned as the business evolves.

The Real Reason Teams Break

One of the top reasons early-stage businesses fall apart?

Co-founder breakups.

Too often, people meet for the sole purpose of starting a business without really knowing how they operate under pressure, how they handle conflict, or whether they can actually build trust over time.

If you’re choosing a co-founder, ask yourself:

Do I know this person well?
Do I trust their judgment, especially when I’m not in the room?
Can I rely on them when things go sideways?

A Personal Note on Trust

People often ask me if it’s hard working with my co-founder—and husband—Chris. Honestly? They should be asking him. I’m 100% sure I’m the one that's more difficult to work with.

But the reason it works isn’t because we’re the same. It’s because I trust him. Deeply.

We’ve been through moments where the numbers didn’t add up and the pressure felt overwhelming. And in those moments, you don’t want a co-founder who’s just there for the upside. You want someone who won’t quit. Someone who won’t let you quit. Someone who shows up because they don’t want to let you down.

Build With People You’d Want in the Trenches

Whether you’re launching a tech product, starting a small business, or growing a mission-driven company, your idea can only go as far as the people behind it.

So build with care. Build with intention. And when in doubt, choose the people who: