Play Well, Work Well Part II
This summer, we had a great time at our staff retreat. We worked hard, kicking around ideas in tune with our company’s mission and thinking of ways that we could better serve our clients. The result of some of those discussions was that we narrowed our focus and are beginning our rebrand, to Weathervane Strategies.
We also bonded with our staff members, who don’t all live in the same town, and took some time to celebrate our successes.
But, now it’s October, and the sunny skies and gung-ho planning of June and July feel far away. This fall, it’s time for our team to tap in to that earlier motivation while powering on to bigger and better projects.
If you find yourself in the same situation this autumn, we hope this list of tips for nonprofit managers helps you, too:
Revisit
Revisit the work you did at your last big inspirational meeting or staff retreat. Look back through your notes, pass snapshots from the weekend around the office, write a blog about it (ahem) or mention it on Facebook as a #ThrowbackThursday. Keep the spirit of your cooperation alive by acknowledging that it was there.
If you had a facilitator at your last retreat, ask him or her to collaborate with you on ways to bring the topics you discussed at your last event to the forefront again.
Revise
We often counsel our clients to hone and refine their strategic plans periodically. Because your team’s inspiration and creative spirit is linked to the success of that strategic plan, you should also consider tweaking the ways you and your staff bring innovation on board. Changes in staffing or workload may mean you need to make changes in how you’re supporting your team.
Refocus
In the months since the summer it may be that your organization’s priorities have shifted slightly. Does your staff fully realize this refocusing? Now may be the perfect time to bring everyone on board with the new direction.
Revitalize
Put new life in to your team by thinking about the fun you had at your last staff retreat or organizational party. Make sure to plan for some opportunities to help tap back in to that collaborative spirit—and no, the company holiday party at the end of the year doesn’t count.
Remind
The beauty of a retreat is that you have plenty of time away from the normal stresses of work and office life so that you can connect with your staff members and, hopefully, show them that you appreciate them and their ideas. Even if you don’t have the time every day now—or if you work in a different location than they do—take a few moments to remind your staff that you’re grateful for their hard work. Something as simple as a one-line email will help them remember!
Rebook it
It’s not too late to start thinking about your next staff retreat. Setting dates in advance can give your team something to look forward to and serve as a reminder that your organization is investing in them. Not ready yet to commit to a full-blown retreat? Some alternatives can be a Friday Pizza Party Planning session, a breakfast meeting, or mini-workshops held at the beginning or end of the workday.
What tips for following up to a company retreat or staff get-together would you add to this list?