You’ve hired the right people to support your business. Now, what can you do to help them work together to their full potential while also enjoying their job in your barn?
By Jennifer Paulson
Team-building activities might seem like they only belong in corporate careers, but they’re also essential for small businesses. No, you don’t have to foot the bill for a four-day retreat at a spa; however, you can put together fun activities that’ll engage your employees, help them feel valued, and encourage them to work together.
Idea 1: Host a Watch Party
Whether it’s a horse-related event or a big game, gather your team and their families, if appropriate, to enjoy taking in the broadcast together. Up the ante by setting up task-based betting. For example, whomever predicts the first person to score, can assign one of their daily tasks to another employee. Encourage everyone to bring and share food, and take halftime or another break to express your appreciation to your team. It’s virtually no cost to you, other than the time to plan.
Idea 2: Support Their Interests
If your assistants and barn help participate in extracurricular activities together—perhaps a recreational softball team or they team rope on the side or maybe they play in a band—find a way to support their hobbies. You could sponsor their team or an event where they’ll compete, or you could simply show up to support their efforts. They’re on call for you when you need them at a show; demonstrating your support makes helping you a more reciprocal effort. Get the whole barn on board to go along with you!
Idea 3: Call Regular Meetings
Pick one morning a week to have a huddle with your team. Get bonus points for providing donuts or breakfast burritos! During your meeting, announce victories in and out of the arena, go over any concerns, point out opportunities for growth, and allow your team members to speak up, too.
Idea 4: Foster One-on-One Chats
Every once in a while, make an effort to take one team member to lunch to give them a chance to discuss their needs, conflicts with other employees, goals they want to work toward, and ideas they have for your business. The key to success for this is to be completely above board with all employees that the face time is available to everyone. One way to make it available to all is to pick one employee each month and cycle through all of them, repeating the order once everyone has had a chance to bend your ear.
Idea 5: Plan a Team Outing
Take your employees to a local event—minor-league sports are fairly affordable to attend and are a great way to support your community. Getting away from the barn can open new conversations and build relationships in a non-horse-centric venue.
