"Let them go do it" - Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary shares insight on building a team

According to Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary, the key to creating a cohesive and effective team lies in setting clear goals and giving the team the autonomy to accomplish those objectives. Building a successful team is a crucial part of any business or project. As O'Leary shares in a January 15, 2025 Instagram post,

"If you want to build a very cohesive team, you have to set goals and let them go do it."

O'Leary believes organizations can create more effective and cohesive teams that deliver results. This philosophy reflects his broader management principles, prioritizing trust, clarity, and focus on long-term outcomes.

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Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary's strategy for building a cohesive and effective team

Setting clear goals

One of the first steps in building a successful team is setting specific and measurable goals. O'Leary highlights that clear objectives are critical to team cohesion. In his interview, he provides an example of developing a data center.

He notes that when working with a team on a project, setting a firm goal is the first thing that needs to be addressed. In the case of a data center, that could involve securing a power study within a particular time frame. As O'Leary explains,

"You need a power study to work with the local power authority. That can be a very political, very tasking thing."

By setting the objective—getting the study done within 11 months—O'Leary ensures that the team knows what is expected of them. The rest of the process is left to them to figure out fostering a sense of ownership over their work.

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Autonomy in execution

O'Leary is a strong proponent of autonomy when it comes to managing teams. In his experience, he stresses the importance of allowing the team to take responsibility for their assigned tasks. The Shark Tank investor explains,

"You don't care how they get it done. You just need it in 11 months because in the schedule of development, you can't develop unless you have the power study."

This mindset demonstrates trust in the team's capabilities and allows for more creative problem-solving. He encourages managers to "let them go do it" and focus on the desired outcome instead of overseeing every step of the process. This approach can lead to a more agile, responsive team that works efficiently to meet goals.

Moreover, O'Leary acknowledges that while regular check-ins, such as weekly meetings, are helpful for progress tracking, they should not disrupt the team's workflow. He suggests that "weekly meetings" are useful to assess progress and discuss accomplishments but insists that they are not meant to micromanage.

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Managing risks and expectations

One of the core aspects of O'Leary's approach to team management is understanding and managing risks. In his data center development example, he refers to the financial and logistical challenges involved in securing power before a project can move forward. The Shark Tank investor explains,

"Let's say the project's gonna cost you 1.2 billion. You can't do it unless you've got the power. You may have to go firm on the land for 90 million bucks before you have the power, which is very risky."

A team must understand and navigate the inherent risks to succeed under such circumstances. They should also be prepared to adjust their strategy when necessary, such as by extending an option on real estate for a predetermined cost. This ability to maneuver through uncertainties makes a team resilient and cohesive, according to O'Leary.

By maintaining focus on the objective, the Shark Tank investor believes teams can overcome these challenges.

"You need teams that understand that and can maneuver around those realities," he states.

One important quality of a successful team is focusing on the goal without becoming sidetracked by short-term setbacks. According to the Shark Tank investor, a strong team culture involves having everyone aligned with the long-term vision and committed to achieving the target.

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