The more often we go out with our team and spend time together after work, the less negativity spreads within the team when they don’t like something. This also goes for spouses. As often as possible, invite your team’s spouse along to outings. Their spouse is their cheerleader when they’re having a tough time. Give their spouse something to cheer for and help them to like the business as well. If their husband or wife thinks that you are a good owner and likes that they get invited to things and can tell what kind of person you are and is friends with your wife or husband, when things get tough they will give you the benefit of the doubt.
I made a post on Facebook about working hard and giving it. You’re all every day and you will be noticed and it was very interesting to see the response. So many people had negative things to say about their employer and how they were never noticed. Taking your team out is a great way for them to feel noticed and rewarded. It doesn’t have to be expensive either.
-Breakfast at IHOP
-Batting cage
-Tickets to a baseball game
-Bowling
-Rent a movie theater and invite the entire family
-Take them to lunch anytime you do a ride along
-Bring their favorite drink when you meet them at a job
-Watch the fights at Buffalo Wild Wings
-Barbecue swim party at your house for families
Pro tip: Bring your kid or spouse with you. Let your team get to know your family. It’s good for kids to see their mom/dad work. And it’s great for your spouse to know as many of your team as possible since you probably talk about the team with them at home. Plus it tightens the circle even more. And for this example, I got to write-off taking my kid to a baseball game. Win-win