As a coach, there’s nothing more rewarding than witnessing a team transform from a state of chaos to a well-oiled machine. Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing one of my clients make this incredible journey, and I’m thrilled to share their story.
When they first approached me, the team was struggling. Meetings were often destructive, filled with heated
arguments and finger-pointing. The office atmosphere was heavy with gossip, and turnover was at an all-time high. It was clear that something needed to change, and fast.
Last Saturday, they held a team meeting that was nothing short of revolutionary. Curious about the change, I decided to delve deeper.
“So, tell me,” I asked during our follow-up with Mia and Sarah, “what was different about this meeting compared to the ones before we started working together?”
Mia chuckled before responding, “Well, for starters, we stopped focusing on what everyone was doing wrong.”
This was a pivotal moment. Prior to coaching, their meetings were centered on problems and criticisms. After some intensive sessions, we shifted their focus to collective goals and appreciation. They also instituted a ‘kindness board’—a space where team members could post and acknowledge each other’s contributions.
“What else?” I probed, eager to hear more.
“We asked each team member to share what drew them to our industry,” Mia explained. “The responses were surprising and enlightening. Team members expressed genuine passion for their work and appreciation for the unique culture of our company. This simple shift in focus created an atmosphere of positivity and inclusion. Everyone felt valued and motivated.”
The change was palpable. The energy created in that meeting flowed seamlessly into their workday. Team members reported feeling included and cared for, which in turn fostered a more collaborative and productive environment.
“Can you feel the difference?” I asked.
“Absolutely,” Sarah affirmed. “In less than four months, our revenue has reached its highest point in our 13 year
history. It’s incredible what focusing on goals and appreciating one another can achieve.”
This success story is a testament to the power of shifting perspectives—from dwelling on problems to fostering a goal-oriented mindset. It highlights the importance of collective growth and independent progress.
By being willing to shift their perspective from seeing people as problems to collaboratively addressing challenges, they opened up to more honest and difficult conversations. This willingness to embrace positivity and acknowledge each other’s strengths led to an environment that not only transformed their workplace but also fostered unprecedented success.
This story is a testament to the power of acknowledging people as your greatest asset and doing everything you can to help them succeed, feel valued, and grow. When teams focus on nurturing each other’s strengths and work towards collective goals, there truly are no limits to what they can achieve.
Here’s to many more meetings filled with laughter, encouragement, and shared victories!
Here’s to your greatness,
Misti Burmeister
Misti Burmeister helps companies and leaders motivate and inspire excellence. For nearly 20 years, she has facilitated communication that results in trust, increasing engagement and productivity across generations. Make sure your communication is coming across the way you intend, visit https://www.MistiBurmeister.com