Thursday, May 13th, 2010
HOW DO YOU SAY THANKS TO YOUR TEAM?
There are so many ways to show your appreciation to your dedicated team members. Almost all progressive firms have done a wide variety of cool things.
One of my favorite books is 1001 Ways to Reward Employees by Bob Nelson. I heard Nelson speak many, many years ago and used many of the ideas in his book. It DOES NOT have to be BIG things. Remember, the littlest things can make the biggest difference.
And then, there are some special acts of kindness that a lot of firms do that fall under the BIG, HUGE, GIGANTIC category. Sometimes the people on the receiving end might not even realize the effort and expense that firm leaders contribute to make the team feel appreciated.
I don’t believe that is the case at Bogumil, Holzgang & Harris in Portland, Oregon. Jessica Randall, CEO & Administrative Principal, reports that every year, just after April 15th they treat their entire team to a week-end trip to a special lodge or resort.
This year it was Skamania Lodge in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (pictured). Sure looks like a cool place to me!
Everyone is invited, along with a significant other. They arrive on Friday afternoon, can play golf, use the Spa or take advantage of many other outdoor activities. There is a group dinner in the evening. They can also enjoy time on Saturday morning and then check-out and head back to the city. The principals and managers (along with S.O.’s) remain at the lodge until Sunday and have another group dinner on Saturday evening. It’s quality time in a relaxed and fun atmosphere and naturally builds camaraderie and collaboration.
Last fall when I was invited to facilitate their principal retreat, they even modified the location to a special lodge, Salishan, on the coast because I had mentioned that I had never been to the Oregon Coast. I could see the ocean from my deck.
Sound like a cool firm? You betcha!
“April has put a spirit of youth in everything.” – - William Shakespeare
