Yesterday, I told you about how our team at ProVision pulled together when my Irvine partner decided to leave the firm. Our team pulled together so well, that we decided to send everyone on a cruise. That cruise happened last weekend. Today, I want to tell you about the cruise and the effect on our team.
It wasn't a big cruise; just a short, 3-day cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico and back. All but a few of our staff were able to join us on the cruise. Some brought their spouses, but most did not. I wondered how the team would react to spending 3 days together on a boat. This proved to be somewhat of a litmus test for our team and how well they would get along.
The result was truly amazing. During the three days, the group spent almost all of its time together. Everyone spent a little time on their own, I'm sure, but for the most part they spent time with each other. Whether it was at a show, at Bingo or in the casino, they wanted to be with each other. Even at port, people stayed together and went into town together in groups of 4-10 people.
While we were rarely all together at the same time (with the exception of dinner and one specific team building event), the groups formed and changed and everyone was included. In three days, I never heard a single complaint from anyone about anybody else. There were no harsh words and many kind words. I saw a lot of caring and concern for each other and a lot of comraderie.
What I didn't expect was how good this would be for the team. I had heard that the producers of the hit show, Friends, had sent the actors all to Las Vegas before they began filming the first show in order to get them to know each other and be able to work together. I didn't realize how successful it could be for a group of business associates.
This wasn't the typical gathering of employees where everyone is polite and barely wants to speak to each other. It was the complete opposite. Everyone made a significant effort to make sure all were included and all were having a good time. A lot of friendships were made or solidified on this trip.
I have been asked by some of my co-workers since the cruise if I would go on another cruise. To be honest, the cruise itself was nothing special. But the people were special and I would go anywhere with any or all of them. They were great and I feel it a great privilege to be part of this ProVision team.
Thank you again, ProVision team members, for all you do for the business, for our clients, for each other and for me. I have never before worked with a group of people like this. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
I hope you can generate the spirit in your business that we have here at ProVision. It makes life so much more enjoyable when you have a great team.
Warmest regards,
Tom