People are often where the true value of a business venture lies. Any idea, any business plan, and any concept can only be as good as the people who’re supposed to bring it to life. People are what matter, and any business manager who has to build or lead a team should do well to acknowledge that.

Branden Condy certainly does. This entrepreneur, who started as an influencer and is now an experienced marketer who also works in the field of Amazon Automation, would be the first one to admit how much his team means to him and his businesses.

Branden is setting new standards when it comes to treating the team well. For anyone looking for tips on running and working with a team, here are some of the takeaways from Branden’s approach.

Who Gets to Eat First?

The way the world of business works is that a business that’s not growing is a business that’s falling behind. It’s a thing borrowed from nature, where competition never stops, and any organism that wants a break will start losing advantages simply because its competitors are still out there, getting bigger.

For Branden, it’s clear who the driver of that growth is. “I believe the employees are the most important part of any business looking to scale,” he says. “Over the years I’ve learned that it’s not about me; it’s about my team eating first, then myself.” Not only should entrepreneurs acknowledge who powers the drive ahead, but they should also make sure they’re rewarded accordingly.

Laying It Out Straight

Doing business often gets tough. That’s the cold, harsh reality both entrepreneurs and employees have to deal with. Hours can get long, the industry can get hostile, and the competitors can put all their imagination and resources into breathing down another business’s neck, increasing the pressure exponentially as they get closer.

It’s in these times that, again, employees have the opportunity to shine. But they can’t do that if they’re not sure what’s expected of them or if they feel blindsided by what’s going on. Branden advises strong communication upfront, as well as setting realistic expectations for the team. They shouldn’t think there’s a walk in the park ahead if it’s really a predator-infested jungle.

Of course, the next step is getting them on the same page about what is needed to get through that tough period unscathed. The team needs to understand what it is that they need to deliver to stay ahead of the competition.

Strengthening the Links in the Chain

Team maintenance is also necessary, no matter how ridiculous it might sound to “maintain” a group of people. A team and its members have needs and requirements. The work processes they run every day have requirements of their own. Making sure that all those requirements are met is what team maintenance is all about.

Every morning when he wakes up, Branden takes a moment or two for self-reflection. That’s the first thing he does in the morning. The second thing is to check in with his team and see if they’re in a good place and have everything they need. If it just so happens that a team member or the team as a whole will be the weakest link in the chain for the day, addressing the issue proactively is much better than waiting for it to manifest itself during working hours.

To stay in touch with Branden, follow him on his Instagram profile, @brandencondy.