Channel Corner with James Drake: Teamwork: Building a Long-Standing Team Over 20 Years
Posted on 23rd July 2024 at 11:36
Eclipse Wholesale is excited to announce the return of "Channel Corner with James Drake" for its second year. This quarterly column features our Managing Director, James Drake, sharing insights and expertise amassed over 20 years in the industry, providing valuable perspectives on the channel.
Check out our latest edition below.
Channel Corner with James Drake Teamwork: Buidling a Long-Standing Team Over 20 Years
As we celebrate Eclipse Wholesale’s 20th year in business, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on the past two decades and truly understand what has driven us forward over this time. The answer is - my team. They are at the core of everything we do, they are the cogs that keep this machine going. I’d like to dedicate this month’s Channel Corner to them and share some advice and tips about team building that I’ve picked up over the years.
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learnt is the importance of hiring the right people. Although skills and experience are
are essential, it’s the attitude, motivation and cultural fit that truly make the biggest difference in the long run. Skills can be taught but a positive attitude and willingness to learn are invaluable traits that will help your team thrive and grow together.
Leading on from that, investing in my team's personal and professional development is crucial in helping their growth. As a graduate of two degrees myself, I am passionate about encouraging my team to pursue further education, training courses and workshops to develop their skills and knowledge.
I am proud to say that Eclipse Wholesale has staff that have been with us for over 10 years. To achieve this type of retention you need to create a positive environment. At the end of the day, it boils down to whether they enjoy what they’re doing and like coming into the office. Walking into a happy, collaborative place of work every day encourages open communication and builds trust, ultimately benefiting the business.
Your team’s hard work needs to be recognised and rewarded. This can be carried out on a day to day basis with a simple thank you or holding reviews with a more formal approach. Hard work deserves a reward and recognising this will allow your team to feel valued and a sense of accomplishment.
Building a long-standing and committed team is not something that can be done overnight, it requires ongoing effort and dedication. I’ve highlighted just a few ways this can be achieved including hiring the right people, investing in development, creating a positive environment and rewarding your team. By focusing on these areas, you can build a team that is motivated, engaged and loyal.
Key takeaways:
Prioritise attitude, motivation and cultural fit in the hiring process – skills and experience can be learned.
Encourage personal and professional development with further education, training courses and workshops.
Create a positive work environment that allows for open communication and building trust.
Acknowledge and reward your team to boost motivation and morale.
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