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December 20, 2013 at 11:17 AM
The Nutcracker ballet is as much an annual holiday tradition to many families as is cookie baking and Christmas light display viewing.
No matter how many times we’ve watched the Nutcracker lead his gingerbread soldiers against the Mouse King, the careful choreography between the dancers never ceases to amaze.
For years, I’ve noticed a similar synergy of talent in the best FA offices around the country whether big or small. Clients choose to stay with these top-producers year after year just as they take in The Nutcracker each season.
Though each possesses unique attributes, these advisors all cultivate an atmosphere of community within their offices that earns their clients’ trust and long-term business much like the unison of dancers on stage who keep us coming back for more.
Your staff is your dance troop and your front line that pulls it all together for you day in and day out. They interact with clients, troubleshoot and work under frequent time constraints and pressure. Keep this crucial support system happy and healthy this holiday season and into the New Year by thanking them in these simple ways.
Hold offsite meetings: Fresh ideas are often sparked in neutral, offsite settings without the distractions of the office. This is particularly true for staffers who are generally onsite day in and day out.
Brainstorming, developing team work and bonding over a simple cup of coffee can make all the difference. Invite them to offer their ideas on how to better serve clients; as they do a lot of interacting with them, they tend to know them pretty well!
Take a look at your staff’s calendar and block off a mid-morning slot for catching up one-on-one or with the entire crew this December. Then keep it going into 2014!
Start staff appreciation days: Ring the New Year in with a bang and a new tradition… staff appreciation days!
These can be simple gestures of kindness offered throughout the year like bringing in an office chair masseuse for an afternoon, catering a staff lunch or even offering fresh fruit and muffins every now and again to start the day right.
Tokens of periodic appreciation remind your staff why they love working alongside you and your clients. They can prove crucial for morale during hectic periods, but don’t forget to show your appreciation for jobs well done, too, all year long.
Give back to your community: The benefits of giving one’s time and expertise are numerous and well-documented. Though it may seem counterproductive, offering a local organization just one afternoon of your entire staff’s time is among the best ways to boost morale and health, encourage team work, and create a strong sense of loyalty.
