One of the “secrets” to our success is that we genuinely like each other. Yes, the everyday stress of the job is still there, but we support each other through it. There’s an essential connection to be noted here—we didn’t bond as a team just by working on accounting projects! I wouldn’t expect any business to create a collaborative environment just by working on…work!
Taking time to focus on soft skills
In order for our team to work well together, I find that we need a culture where we have excellent communication, planning, problem-solving, leadership, work ethic, adaptability, and interpersonal skills. When employees have these traits, they find ways to solve everyday workplace issues together.
All of these attributes are about soft skills or personal traits that enable you to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people. I find that if we’re going to improve our soft skills, every once in a while we need to take a step away from the office routine to make that happen.
When not working, team building
If you follow us on Instagram you may notice that our posts talk a lot about the fun we have at and outside the office. “Work hard, play harder!” is our motto.
Some of our favorite recent team building events:
- “We survived tax season!” dinner: When Brigade Bookkeeping survived another tax season we celebrated with a sushi and karaoke night. And—yes, we have excellent singers in our group!
- A beach clean-up day: At least once a month we help support a good cause together. This fun outing was our way to help the environment. We had family members join us, too.
- Painting with a Twist: We got very creative and laughed a lot trying our hands at landscape painting—perhaps the most opposite activity possible to working on a balance sheet.
- Whitewater rafting: Intense and even a little scary at times, but we had to row together to make it work!
I encourage you to hold team building activities and make them a regular event. It’s remarkable how a little time away from work can significantly re-energize employees and improve morale and productivity.
And most important, don’t forget to have fun!
