One of the biggest challenges agency owners face is getting their team to work together seamlessly. You’ve got different personalities, communication styles, and ways of tackling problems—and if you’re not careful, those differences can lead to inefficiencies, conflicts, and missed opportunities.
That’s where team assessments come in. Tools like DISC, StrengthsFinder, and MBTI aren’t just for corporate HR departments; they’re game-changers for agency owners looking to boost collaboration and get the most out of their team.
Let’s talk about how to use team assessments to create a more collaborative, high-performing agency.
Why Team Assessments Matter
A cohesive team isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must for any agency looking to scale. When your team collaborates effectively, client work gets done faster, with fewer mistakes, and at a higher level of quality.
Team assessments give you the insights you need to make that happen. By understanding each team member’s strengths, weaknesses, and communication preferences, you can:
- Reduce misunderstandings and friction.
- Assign tasks based on individual strengths.
- Help your team appreciate and leverage each other’s differences.
And here’s the kicker: when your team works better together, your agency becomes more valuable to potential buyers. A well-oiled team is a big selling point for anyone looking to invest in or acquire your business.
What Team Assessments Can Reveal
The real power of team assessments lies in the insights they provide. Here’s what you can uncover:
- Communication Styles: Some team members thrive on detailed instructions, while others prefer a big-picture overview. Knowing this helps you tailor your communication for maximum clarity and impact.
- Strengths and Weaknesses: Assessments like StrengthsFinder help you understand where each team member excels—and where they might need support.
- Conflict Triggers: Tools like DISC can reveal personality clashes before they happen, giving you a chance to mediate or adjust roles to prevent issues.
Using Team Assessments to Improve Collaboration
Now that you know why assessments matter, let’s talk about how to use them effectively.
- Start with Yourself:
As the agency owner, you set the tone for collaboration. Take an assessment yourself and share the results with your team. This shows that you’re invested in the process and open to feedback.
Pro Tip: Use your results to identify areas where you might unintentionally cause friction and make adjustments accordingly.
- Assess the Whole Team:
Have your entire team take the same assessment. This creates a shared language for understanding differences and strengths.
Action Step: Hold a team workshop to review the results and discuss how everyone’s styles can complement each other.
- Match Tasks to Strengths:
Use the assessment results to align roles and responsibilities with each team member’s natural abilities. For example, someone with strong analytical skills might excel at project planning, while a creative thinker might thrive in brainstorming sessions. - Resolve Conflicts Proactively:
When you understand each team member’s conflict triggers, you can address potential issues before they escalate. For instance, if two people have opposing work styles, you can set expectations and boundaries upfront. - Track Progress:
Team dynamics evolve over time. Revisit assessments periodically to see how your team is growing and where adjustments might be needed.
The Role of Technology in Team Collaboration
Technology can amplify the benefits of team assessments. Tools like Slack, ClickUp, or Microsoft Teams can help bridge communication gaps and streamline workflows.
Pro Tip: Integrate assessment insights into your project management tools. For example, tag tasks with team members’ strengths to make assignments more intuitive.
How Team Collaboration Impacts Agency Value
When buyers evaluate your agency, they’re not just looking at your revenue or client list—they’re assessing how well your team functions. A collaborative, high-performing team is a major selling point because it shows that your agency can thrive without constant intervention from you.
Here’s what strong collaboration signals to buyers:
- Efficiency: A well-coordinated team gets more done in less time.
- Stability: Reduced conflicts and turnover create a reliable operational foundation.
- Scalability: A team that works well together is easier to grow and manage.
By using team assessments to improve collaboration, you’re not just making your life easier—you’re building a more valuable agency.
Final Thoughts
Team assessments aren’t a one-time exercise—they’re a powerful tool for ongoing growth and collaboration. By understanding your team’s strengths, communication styles, and potential friction points, you can create an environment where everyone thrives.
Start small. Take an assessment yourself, then roll it out to your team. Use the insights to tweak roles, resolve conflicts, and improve communication. Over time, you’ll see the difference—not just in how your team works together, but in the quality of the work they produce.
And remember, this isn’t just about making your team happy (though that’s a nice bonus). It’s about creating a scalable, efficient agency that’s ready for whatever comes next—whether that’s growth, new opportunities, or a lucrative sale.