Saratoga.com logo
Saratoga.com logo
  • Places to Stay
  • Things To Do
  • Food & Drink
  • Events
  • Businesses
  • Travel Guides
Saratoga Business Journal
  • Home
  • New Businesses
  • Business News
  • Business Reports
  • Business Briefs
  • Business Registrations
  • Personnel Briefs
  • Contact Us
Home  »  Business Reports  »  Business Report: Keeping An All-Star Team Motivated
Business Reports

Business Report: Keeping An All-Star Team Motivated

Posted onFebruary 3, 2017November 29, 2017
Patrice Mastrianni is owner of Serendipity Art and Cooking Studio in Saratoga Springs. Courtesy Serendipity Art and Cooking Studio
Patrice Mastrianni is owner of Serendipity Art and Cooking Studio in Saratoga Springs.
Courtesy Serendipity Art and Cooking Studio

By Patrice Mastrianni

When we “make the draft” to join a new business team we are pumped up right out of the gate. The rush of mastering new job skills, learning the needs and wants of your teammates, and throwing your ideas in the ring are very energizing …  at least in the first quarter.

As time goes on, we settle into a routine and operate at a steady pace or, in the worst-case scenario, play a critic from the sidelines. Normal game changers, like having to perform tasks not on your job description, tolerating an irritating coworker or dealing with economic ups and downs, deflates our drive in no time.

It’s in every employer’s best interest to make sure their team stays on track and each member is in a position that best fits their skills. It’s the captain’s job to make sure no one sits on the bench and everyone focuses on the same game plan.

Keeping your group driven requires ingenuity and diligence. However, budget restraints and day-to-day business demands can often get in the way of a consistent team-building program. Team exercises can be as ambitious as a full-day golf outing or as small as interoffice games that engage departments or individuals in problem solving, communication and collaboration.

Whatever method you choose, coworkers gain a deeper understanding of one another’s strengths and interests, build better communication skills and develop stronger relationships. At each team-building “scrimmage,”you come out a winner.

There are many ways to keep team building a part of your vision.

One way is to designate an annual or semi-annual team-building day for your group. It can an off-site activity such as a painting or cooking class, an outdoor adventure or volunteering for community service.  In addition, setting aside a couple of days each month, or even an hour every week, for a non-work activity can break up the monotony of business and highlight hidden talents in each player.

This is especially important if your team works remotely from home or at other locations. Depending on your business structure, it’s best to plan “game day” activities on your time not theirs. Employees may resent having to work late or come in on their day off to participate in a mandatory activity.

Team building ideas do not always need to come from the team captain. Larger companies might organize a “cheerleading squad” responsible for keeping motivation a focus throughout the year. Smaller businesses can assign individual players or departments to present a team building activity. It could be as simple as handing out “high five” cards as a way for team members to openly recognize each other’s support such as, “Mary high fives Joe for helping her with the pitch to Dick’s Sporting Goods.”

You can even designate an MVP each quarter. When recognizing individuals, be sure your star player doesn’t get all the golds and no single individual is repeatedly standing alone in left field.

The goal of team building is not only to keep the group working in unison, but to keep each member feeling important and needed.  While everyone likes an “atta boy” with a dollar sign in front of it, small accomplishments can be recognized with a free lunch, leaving work early or a coffee gift card.

A great way to get to know your team is to go out for drinks after work. You can chose a night to celebrate a big win or as a cool-down after a period of stressful deadlines. You may even include “plus-ones” who are often cheering on your players from home. Be sure to ask your insurance provider if you bear any liability in this situation. Safety and responsibility are your number-one concern.

The internet is busting with creative team-building ideas. Research activity ideas by theme, season or even by country for something different. It’s important to keep activities fresh and frequent. Let your team make the calls. Ask for input and ideas. Listen and learn to see what works for your business and your budget. Put team building on your to-do list for each quarter. These activities can tighten relationships and build staff loyalty season after season.

Mastrianni led team building efforts for years as creative director for Price Chopper Supermarkets. She currently owns Serendipity Art and Cooking Studio in Saratoga Springs.

Previous Article Saratoga County Chamber Of Commerce Touts ‘Job Zone’ With New Digital Campaign
Next Article Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership Slates Workshop Series For Small Businesses In Area
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
View the Latest Virtual Edition

Categories

  • 50-Plus
  • Banking
  • Banking / Asset Managment
  • Building Trades
  • Business Briefs
  • Business News
  • Business Registrations
  • Business Reports
  • Commercial / Residential Real Estate
  • Community Services
  • Construction
  • Construction Planning
  • Corporate Tax / Business Planning
  • Cyber / Tech
  • Dining Guide
  • Economic Development
  • Economic Outlook 2016
  • Economic Outlook 2017
  • Economic Outlook 2018
  • Economic Outlook 2019
  • Economic Outlook 2020
  • Economic Outlook 2022
  • Economic Outlook 2023
  • Education/ Training/ Personal Development
  • Entrepreneurial Women
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Environment / Development
  • Financial Planning / Investments
  • Fitness / Nutrition
  • Health / Community Services
  • Health & Fitness
  • Health & Wellness
  • Healthcare
  • Holiday Guide
  • Holiday Shopping
  • Home / Energy
  • Home / Insurance
  • Home & Real Esate
  • Insurance / Employee Benefits
  • Insurance / Medical Services
  • Legal / Accounting
  • Meet The Chef
  • New Businesses
  • Non-Profit
  • Office / Computer / New Media
  • Office / HR / Employment
  • Office/ Technology/ E-Commerce
  • Outlook 2021
  • Personnel Briefs
  • Retirement Planning
  • Senior Living / Retirement
  • Summer Construction
  • Uncategorized
  • Wellness
  • Women In Business
  • Workplace / Security / Legal
  • Year-End Tax Planning

Archives

  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
Connect With Us

Follow, like and subscribe to Saratoga.com on social media

Account Sign In Submit An Event
Saratoga.com logo
  • Home
  • Places To Stay
  • Things To Do
  • Food & Drink
  • Events
  • Real Estate
  • Businesses
  • Guides
  • Contact Us
  • Blogs
  • Sweepstakes
  • Advertising
Visit Saratoga.com For Everything Saratoga
Full-Service Internet Marketing: Search Engine Optimization, Website Design and Development by Mannix Marketing, Inc.
Mannix Marketing, Inc. is headquartered near Saratoga Springs in Glens Falls, New York
Saratoga.com All Rights Reserved © 2023
Disclaimer & Privacy Policy / Terms of Use / Copyright Policies

We strive to insure accuracy on Saratoga.com however accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Information is subject to change.
Please alert us if there is any inaccurate information here.

Having trouble using this site? Accessibility is our goal, please contact us with site improvements.