By Nancy Padberg, MBA, President and CEO
More often than not, departments are working separately. Many teams lack an understanding of how other departments in the organization function. When associates can see the work of their fellow associates, it builds a team that understands one another and creates a culture of respect and value for one another. To build a culture of trust, respect, and value, we began our weekly learning meetings, or what I call, Wednesday Wisdom.
The goal of Wednesday Wisdom is to build a culture of trust and respect by hosting weekly meetings that enhance interdepartmental understanding and promote professional and personal development. We use about an hour or less to expand the knowledge of our team and provide additional context about other departments in the organization. Depending on the time of the month or time of year, we may cover the Month-End Report or Financial Report nearing year-end.
Department Spotlight
Often, a department will host the Wednesday Wisdom. The reason for having a department host, whether that be sales, operations, marketing, development, or otherwise, is it provides context to the rest of the team of what that department works with daily. Often, a colleague can provide updates or a new program, initiative, or program. This not only provides a better understanding to each other regarding each associate works on each day, but it also allows others to see each other working in his or her giftings. Associates can also present their notes on conferences they attended. This allows the team to all benefit by hearing the insights and takeaways one associate may have heard at the conference.
Month-End Reports
After the close of each month, our associates collect an overall report of their projects, duties, and outcomes from the entire month. These reports serve as a platform for each member to present an overview of their department’s projects and outcomes. Associates will present their department’s projects and results. Taking this dedicated time to reflect allows us to not only celebrate our individual contributions but also to acknowledge and appreciate the collective efforts of our colleagues. This contributes to our healthy culture of value for one another as it allows us to pause and recognize the fruits of our labor and reinforce our commitment to our mission.
Associate Development
Each associate will have many times where they are either presenting for Wednesday Wisdom or are hosting the meeting, this challenges each associate to step into a role of leadership. As associates are hosting or present, they are being challenged to step into a role they may not usually fall into. This is a small but mighty challenge as it pushes each associate to grow in their leadership abilities. Also, it contributes to the culture of trust for one another as presenting or hosting may make some associates feel more vulnerable. However, when you have a team that supports one another, listens intently, and offers their full attention, this shows the presenting associate that each team member cares for them, ultimately cultivating a culture of trust.
Guest Speaker
Wednesday Wisdom can also focus on improving ourselves outside of traditional business topics. A few times a year, I plan for someone outside of the organization to speak at a Wednesday Wisdom. Offering sessions from a guest speaker helps drive the learning to topics outside of our daily work. On some occasions, a guest speaker will come and speak on mindfulness, breathing techniques, or even yoga. Other times, we invite leaders from our sister companies to come and speak about their mission, services, and success stories.
Each team meeting should not merely be another time to talk business. Meetings are most effective when they blend business and associate improvement or team building. The blending of these motives is when your team can consistently grow in trust, respect, and value for one another. By prioritizing both business and personal and professional development for each associate, these meetings become catalysts for professional growth and a healthy culture.
