Most companies recognize what is takes to build a team, but how many really put their focus into team build activities? In a lot of ways, professional relationships aren’t fundamentally any different than romantic relationships (with some glaringly obvious differences of course!). When you’re single and interested in finding someone to date, you shop around. Similarly, when a company is looking to make a new hire, they too shop around for potential candidates.

A single person might create a profile on a dating site; a company might advertise a job opening on a job search site. People may respond to both ads, expressing interest. For the single person, it’s time to start dating! At this point there’s nothing exclusive, so a few people may have peaked his/her interest and there may be a few coffee dates or movie nights. For the company, the interviewing process begins. Both are meticulous about learning what they can about who they’re focusing on. (Side note: Wouldn’t it be awesome if, when you’re dating someone, you could ask for a list of references?)

Finally, the single person knows they’ve found “THE ONE”. They aren’t interested in anyone else and the dating becomes exclusive. For a company, they are happy and relieved to discover that they’ve found “THE CANDIDATE”. Now comes the time invested in putting together a proposition that will be mutually rewarding for both parties. (For the record, I was talking about the company there…. Although….) Finally, for the happy couple, both realize they want to make a commitment, and they go off to live happily ever after. For the company, an offer is accepted and a new employee is hired. For the couple, they quickly realize that even though a commitment is there, there’s still work involved! They still need to take the time to get to know each other even more, spend time doing things together, and nurturing the relationship. How many companies approach their employees the same way?

It’s important as a company that the “courtship” continues. Investing in Wellness initiatives is a great step. Some companies offer flex time. Creating educational policies which allow employees to further their education, which in turn enriches the company more can be another. Planning fun events and team building exercises and volunteer initiatives is another great way. Offering activities in a socialized setting allows employees to get to know each other better than from behind a desk, and these activities can significantly reduce company turnover. It all boils down to taking the time to invest in what matters to you, whether you’re a person or a company.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a company potluck to attend!

Source Url: http://gobelmont.ca/build-team-team-build/