BEST ADVICE
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 56)
On Inspiring Teams Toward a Common Vision
“W
JAIME HUFFMAN • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR •
THE GROVE PARK INN RESORT & SPA
e are all familiar with the concept that a team can achieve more by
working together than the individuals could accomplish on their
own. We put this idea into practice at our spa by creating a structured liaison between management and employees. Our Synergy Team serves to
represent employee issues and concerns in order to devise creative solutions to
improve the overall work environment. It celebrates team achievements by hosting
activities that give employees the opportunity to socialize and get to know each
other in a non-work related setting. It also fosters team cohesiveness and understanding and allows members to take a leadership role in effecting change that can
benefit our entire workforce. Margaret Meade said: ‘Never doubt that a small group
of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing
that ever has.’ Our Synergy Team has made a world of difference in our spa.”
“C
DEBRA KOERNER • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR •
DESTINATION SPA GROUP
an your team members answer the question: ‘What is this organization
trying to accomplish in the world?’…and more importantly, ‘Am I personally aligned with this?’ If you answered ‘no,’ keep reading. The best
way to create a ‘drama-free’ work environment is to get all team members aligned
towards a common purpose they believe in. This purpose will find its home in all
aspects of the company and be reinforced so employees remember why they are
there. Amazing things start to happen when this comes alive in an organization. As
they become focused on this higher level of intention, they will work through hard
times, hold each other ac countable and strive to help you reach your goals.
“B
ERIC STEPHENSON • DIRECTOR •
MASSAGE EDUCATION AT IMASSAGE, INC.
egin establishing safety and trust within the team by cultivating what
psychologist Carl Rogers called ‘Unconditional Positive Regard’ for each
other. A leader has an opportunity to establish this through clear
boundaries and expectations from the start. Communication becomes essential.
While most of us know how important it is to communicate, the team must understand how they are to communicate. All human interaction will eventually be
challenging and, at times, crushing to the ego. It is during those times that the team
needs a support structure to guide their conflict. The best teams have a common
language and model for honest dialogue that encourages respect, collaboration and
even disagreement.” ■
WANT FULL ACCESS to 30 hours of expert insights? Purchase the PDS audio
recordings, available on-site at the Resource Center or at ispa2011.com.Check
your Conference Guide to get full details of each of these experts' Professional
Development Session.
58 PULSE
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November 2011