I have just started a new job as manager at an apartment complex where the employees were allowed to do as they please and no structure to the place. I am holding my first team meeting money and suggestions and do you think it is OK to give little goody bags to boost moral and to let them see I want to build a great team. Also what do you think about meeting daily for about 15 minutes versus having one Monday morning meeting?
The Team Doc Says…
Sounds like you have your work cut out for you. There is nothing wrong with giving people “goody bags” if you think it will boost morale. At least at the start. What would probably work best for you is to gather their thoughts on what motivates them — it may not be what you are thinking at all.
A daily meeting is a good idea and 15 to 30 minutes is just about the right amount of time. Just make sure you have an objective for the meeting so you are not meeting “just because” it’s meeting time. A clear purpose can help your meeting be useful time spent for both you and your team members.
Implementing structure into your team will be good too. Just remember that team members may (will!) resist change — expect that. One of the best ways to help them climb on the change wagon is to get them involved. Solicit and use their ideas. Don’t do all the work yourself.
Best regards,
Denise O’Berry
aka ‘Team Doc’
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