Simon Tian Shares Tips on How to Build a Strong Business Team

Building a strong business team is one of the most important steps in creating a successful company. A great team helps turn ideas into reality, solves problems, and keeps a business growing. Simon Tian, a Canadian entrepreneur and investor, has built multiple businesses, including Neptune and Fonus. Over the years, he has learned key lessons about building and managing strong teams. In this article, he shares his best tips on how to put together a winning team.

Hire People Who Believe in Your Vision

A successful business team starts with people who share the same goals. When hiring, it’s important to look beyond skills and experience. You need people who believe in your vision and are excited about what your company is trying to achieve.

"Skills can be learned, but passion and belief in a vision are harder to teach," says Simon Tian. "If your team members truly believe in what they’re working on, they will be more motivated and committed."

When interviewing candidates, ask questions that help you understand their motivation. Why do they want to work with your company? Do they believe in the problem you are solving? Hiring people who are passionate about your mission will help create a strong and united team.

Focus on Diversity and Different Skills

A strong team is made up of people with different skills and backgrounds. If everyone on the team thinks the same way, it’s hard to come up with new ideas. Diversity brings different perspectives, which helps businesses solve problems and grow.

"You don’t need a team of people who all think like you," says Simon Tian. "You need people who challenge ideas, bring fresh insights, and offer different strengths."

Look for people who have a mix of skills. A great team often includes creative thinkers, problem solvers, strong communicators, and technical experts. When different skills come together, the team becomes stronger and more effective.

Communicate Clearly and Openly

Good communication is the key to a strong team. When team members don’t communicate well, misunderstandings happen, and work can slow down. Leaders should set an example by communicating openly and clearly.

"Make sure everyone understands the company’s goals and their role in reaching them," Simon Tian advises. "Encourage open discussions and feedback. When people feel heard, they are more engaged."

Hold regular team meetings to check progress, share updates, and address any challenges. Encourage team members to ask questions and give feedback. A culture of open communication leads to better teamwork and faster problem-solving.

Build Trust and Respect

Trust is an important part of a strong team. When team members trust each other, they work better together. Building trust takes time, but it starts with respect, honesty, and reliability.

"A team that trusts each other can work through challenges more easily," says Simon. "Leaders need to show that they trust their team by giving them responsibility and valuing their input."

Create an environment where everyone’s ideas are respected. Avoid micromanaging and give team members the freedom to do their work. When people feel trusted, they are more confident and productive.

Encourage Collaboration and Teamwork

A successful team works together, not just as individuals. Encouraging teamwork helps employees learn from each other, share ideas, and solve problems faster.

"A business succeeds when people work together towards a common goal," Simon explains. "Encourage collaboration by setting team-based goals and promoting a supportive work environment."

Use teamwork tools like shared project management platforms to keep everyone connected. Plan team-building activities to strengthen relationships. When people feel like they are part of a team, they are more likely to stay motivated and engaged.

Recognize and Reward Hard Work

People like to feel appreciated for their work. Recognizing team members' efforts can boost motivation and make the workplace more positive.

"Even a simple thank-you can go a long way," Simon says. "When people feel valued, they are more likely to give their best effort."

Celebrate achievements, big or small. Whether it’s a shout-out in a meeting, a small reward, or a company-wide recognition, showing appreciation makes employees feel good about their work and keeps morale high.

Provide Opportunities for Growth

A strong team is always learning and improving. Giving employees opportunities to grow keeps them engaged and helps your business stay competitive.

"The best teams are made of people who want to keep learning and getting better," Simon says. "Support your team’s growth by offering training, mentorship, and chances to take on new challenges."

Encourage employees to attend workshops, take courses, or gain new skills. Providing career development opportunities shows that you care about your team’s future, which can increase loyalty and reduce turnover.

Be a Strong and Supportive Leader

A great team needs a great leader. Strong leadership means guiding your team, providing support, and making tough decisions when needed. But being a leader doesn’t mean doing everything yourself, it means empowering your team.

"A good leader gives their team the tools to succeed and trusts them to do their jobs," says Simon Tian. "Lead by example, stay positive, and be there to support your team when they need it."

Stay open to feedback and be willing to learn from your team as well. A strong leader creates an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to do their best.

Final Thoughts

Building a strong business team takes time and effort, but it is one of the most important parts of success. Simon Tian believes that the key to a great team is hiring people who believe in the company’s vision, encouraging diversity, and fostering open communication. Trust, teamwork, and recognizing hard work are also essential. By providing growth opportunities and leading with confidence, businesses can create a team that is motivated, productive, and ready to achieve big goals. With the right approach, any entrepreneur can build a team that drives long-term success.