Monday, September 28, 2009

STAFF RETREATS

If you are going to own a business, there are certain expenses that are necessary. Can you imagine running a business without paying rent or utilities or having employees? It would be nice if we did not have to pay these bills, but we all know that if you did not make these investments you would not be in business.

Another expenditure that I feel is just as important is incurring the cost and the time to have staff retreats. Our accounting firm just had a one-day retreat and I have to share with you that it was well worth the time and cost.

A staff retreat can be a source of great unity and inspiration. During the retreat we learn many things. During our retreat we focused on how each of the members of our organization had different strengths and how we can utilize these strengths to be a better team. We also developed deeper understandings of who we are as individuals and as a group.

Spending time with coworkers in a way that is fun, relaxed, and reflective can be nourishing as well as productive. Rarely in this culture do we take the time to simply pause from the frantic pace of our actions. A commitment to pausing on an organizational level can lead to the manifestation of an entirely different and powerful orientation toward work, vision, community, and self.

I urge you to keep in mind this important tool for running a successful business.