Claire Highton Barge’s Post

Celebrating Team Work: The Power of Celebration 🚀 Imagine transforming your workplace into a vibrant hub of productivity, positivity, and unparalleled team spirit. That's exactly what we achieved with our recent Employee Appreciation Day celebration, under the strategic leadership of Fabian Serrato, Mark Wagner, Satish Kumaraswami, Anna Hannem, and Syed Sarosh. Their guidance not only propelled us to new heights but also spotlighted the monumental impact of celebrating team successes. Why does this matter? Let's dive in: Step 1: Cultivate a Culture of Recognition 🌟 Celebrating achievements creates an environment where every team member feels valued. Acknowledge the contributions, big or small, and watch as this recognition fuels a desire to excel. Step 2: Foster Positivity and Team Unity 🤝 Success celebrations are the perfect catalyst for strengthening bonds. By highlighting collective achievements, we underscore the power of teamwork, encouraging a more cohesive and supportive work environment. Step 3: Boost Productivity Through Appreciation 💥 Appreciation is a powerful motivator. Recognizing the hard work and dedication of your team not only elevates morale but also significantly enhances productivity. It's a clear message: their efforts make a difference. In our journey, the Employee Appreciation Day was not just an event; it was a testament to the incredible power of unity and appreciation. The results? A more motivated, engaged, and high-performing team. Ready to transform your team's dynamics and achieve groundbreaking success? Start planning your own celebration of achievements. Let's make appreciation a cornerstone of our workplace culture. Elevate your leadership. Boost your team’s spirit. Celebrate every victory. Share your thoughts below or repost ♻ someone who needs to hear this! #thepowerofmentorship #strategicleadership #leadthechange #MDRMTeam If this resonated with you, follow me Diana Lasso and stay tuned for more valuable insights! 🌟

Culture fit is over. In today’s borderless world, building a team isn’t about finding people who fit into a specific culture. It’s about finding those who share your vision and ethics, no matter where they come from. In simple words : Value Fit. « Embrace Value Fit » I have Anne-Sophie to thank for these wise words that stuck with me 🙏 At Breega, we operate across five offices from London to Cape Town, with a team representing more than 10 nationalities and cultures spanning 4 continents. 🌍 How do we make it work? By focusing on value fit and this is my best-advice : - Drop culture fit, embrace cultural diversity : Seek out individuals from different backgrounds and cultures, especially if you’re expanding globally. - Embed values: Make your core values the bedrock of every decision at the company-level. Hire based on values and make it part of the way you onboard, assess and reward your teams. - Focus on value alignment: At Breega, we choose to reunite our global team every six months to realign and celebrate our shared values. Last week, we brought everyone together for three unforgettable days of Biarritz Madness : our program ? bonding, dancing, playing team sports, and embracing our diverse cultures and shared values The bottom line 👉 choose value fit to build resilient, innovative, and cohesive teams. It’s the key to thriving in a global market !

A few years back, I walked into my office feeling a bit overwhelmed... It was a busy Monday, and deadlines were looming... But as I entered, something felt different. there was a buzz in the air, laughter echoed in the hallways, and everyone seemed genuinely happy to be there. That day, I realized the power of a positive corporate culture. For me, corporate culture is more than just policies and procedures; it’s the heartbeat of an organization. It shapes how we feel about our work and connect with each other. Here’s how I believe we can cultivate that magic: • Shared Values : I remember our team sitting down to define our core values... It sparks excitement and dedication... When everyone believes in the same mission, it creates a sense of purpose that energizes the entire team... • Open Communication : In my experience, the best teams thrive on honest conversations... I’ve seen how creating a safe space for sharing ideas builds trust and fosters creativity... We’ve even started “open mic” sessions where anyone can bring up topics—big or small! • Diversity and Inclusion : I’ve always been inspired by the diverse backgrounds of my colleagues... Each person brings a unique perspective that enriches our discussions and sparks innovation... Celebrating our differences has made our team stronger and more creative... • Celebrate Success : I can’t tell you how many times a simple “thank you” or shout-out during team meetings has lifted spirits... Celebrating achievements, no matter how small, reinforces a culture of appreciation and makes everyone feel valued. • Work-Life Balance : I’ve learned that supporting my team in achieving work-life balance is crucial... Whether it’s flexible hours or encouraging time off, happy employees are often the most productive and engaged. • Encourage Growth : Investing in learning opportunities has always been a priority for me... When I see team members excited about personal development, it makes me feel proud... It’s amazing how fostering growth leads to loyalty and enthusiasm. Reflecting on that day I walked into the office, I realize how important it is to create an environment where everyone can shine... A thriving corporate culture leads to happier employees and better teamwork, ultimately driving the success of the company. 💬 I’d love to hear your stories! What’s one thing your organization does to promote a positive culture?

Team bonding goes beyond the office walls. Last month, we wrapped up our Q3 townhall in a refreshing way. We mingled over a buffet lunch and sang our hearts out at a KTV session. It was more than fun—especially for our newer team members who got to connect beyond daily tasks. Taking time for activities outside work. It allows everyone to relax their bodies, free their minds, and nourish their souls. One of the standout moments? We discovered some great singing talent among us. Unearthing hidden talents does more than entertain. It brings a feeling of surprise and admiration within our team. Such moments are priceless, strengthening relationships in unique and personal ways. These events can have a lasting impact on our team’s dynamics. They reveal personalities and skills that might stay hidden in a usual workday. These interactions spark conversation and create deeper bonds. Encouraging diverse talents enriches our team environment and boosts morale. When we share these moments together, it creates a sense of belonging. It’s a reminder that teamwork thrives when we appreciate and celebrate our differences. While these talents may seem small, they reinforce our shared company culture and values. Our gatherings show that everyone brings something special to the table. So, let's continue valuing these discoveries and experiences. They are the heart of a thriving and vibrant workplace. What are some of your most memorable cohesion activities? #iFounders #Cohesion #Teambuilding #Teamwork #CompanyCulture #Talent

The FourFront positivity initiative is more than just an agenda item; it’s a meaningful organizational process that contributes significantly to our workplace culture. It aligns perfectly with our values at FourFront, where we believe that a positive, supportive environment is key to driving innovation and achieving our goals. The positivity sessions were created and are led by our HR Manager, Christina DeSandro-Lewis. We set aside time during our bi-weekly team meetings to either share personal or professional positive news or introduce something viewed as negative. The latter share is put to the team by one individual and team members have an opportunity to help that individual reimagine the issue in a more positive light. This process can be serious, fun, or just silly, but it inevitably lightens the load. I am proud to see the unique value this initiative has provided to our team. It’s a testament to creativity and camaraderie, and it exemplifies how small, intentional practices can have a profound impact on our work and our lives. As we continue to embrace and evolve this initiative, I am excited to see how it will further enhance our team's dynamics and contribute to our collective success. Here's to celebrating positivity, supporting each other through challenges, and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and heard.

Corporate culture is the invisible pulse of a company, beating in every employee. It's not just a set of rules on the office wall, but a living organism that breathes with the team's enthusiasm. Here, values are not empty words, but fuel for daily achievements. Corporate traditions can be as diverse as a menu in a trendy restaurant: from morning five-minute dance sessions to marathons of good deeds. In a company with a strong culture, every day is like an exciting quest. The dress code might include superhero capes on Fridays, and meetings could be held in the format of improvisational theater. Here, crazy ideas are welcome, and even small victories are celebrated. Corporate culture is the bridge connecting employees' personal goals with the company's mission, turning workdays into thrilling adventures.

Today’s Daily DEI Moment is a team exercise called ‘Beachball’. DEIB strategies need to include employee engagement, learning, curiosity and fun. By focusing intentionally on building an inclusive and respectful team culture, team members experience more fruitful collaboration, share their ideas more confidently, and benefit from stronger team bonding. Materials: Physical -Beach ball, marker, questions (ie. get to know basic, themed, destinations, words in different languages). Use the marker to write out questions on the ball. Virtual- Picture image of a beach ball, color stickies/boxes and questions How to play: Set up session and tone for the team. No judgement, wrong answers, appropriate language and open mind. 💻 Virtual: Virtually toss the ball, have the team member tossing select a ‘color’. Have multiple questions prepared for each color, the team member that catches answers the question. Go around to all members. Example: Leader tosses to Co-worker and announces the color ‘blue’. The team member will answer a blue card question. 👫 In Person: The Leader tosses the ball to another on the team, they see what question is closest to their view, based on where ball landed in their hands. The team member reads out the question, word or phrase and answers to their best ability. Example: If using words in other languages, if the word shown is ‘Bonjour’- have the team guess the language and country of origin. Once that team member responds, have them toss to another and continue through all team members. 🎥Video Resource: Want an example of how it’s done? https://lnkd.in/gV9vm83S Questions: https://lnkd.in/g9ARbEjs https://lnkd.in/gKRS3TYC Team take 5: ➡️What was the experience for the team? Positive or negative? ➡️What did you learn about someone or something? ➡️How would you do this again with a new theme? #dei #inclusion #diversity #learning #teambuilding #leadershipcoaching #culture

🌟 Fact: Companies with an innovative culture are 3 times more likely to achieve higher revenue growth. Build a thriving workplace by fostering an innovative culture! Discover strategies to encourage creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement within your team. 👉 https://buff.ly/4fEnOEM #InnovativeCulture #WorkplaceInnovation #BusinessGrowth #TeamCollaboration #Creativity #CompanyCulture #InnovationStrategy #BusinessSuccess #Salesfully #EmployeeEngagement

Recognizing and Rewarding Your Internal Team 🎉 As we bid farewell to an extraordinary year, it's time to reflect on the amazing achievements of your internal team ! 🎉 📣 Here are five fantastic ways to show appreciation and celebrate their exceptional efforts: 1️⃣ Personalized Appreciation Notes: Handwritten notes can go a long way in expressing gratitude. Take the time to write personalized messages for each team member, highlighting their specific contributions and expressing your heartfelt thanks. 💙 2️⃣ Employee Awards and Certificates: Create special awards or certificates to commemorate the achievements of your internal team. Recognize various categories such as "Most Innovative Idea," "Outstanding Collaboration," or "Exemplary Leadership." This gesture will make them feel valued and inspire others to strive for excellence. 🏆 3️⃣ Team Lunch or Dinner: Treat your team to a delightful meal at a restaurant or organize a catered lunch at the office. This casual setting allows everyone to relax, bond, and share stories of success and growth. 🍽️ 4️⃣ Professional Development Opportunities: Invest in your team's growth by offering training sessions, workshops, or online courses tailored to their interests and career aspirations. Providing these opportunities empowers your team members to enhance their skills and contribute even more effectively. 📚 5️⃣ Social Media Shout-outs: Harness the power of social media to recognize your team's accomplishments publicly. Share inspiring stories, achievements, and photos on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. You boost their morale and enhance your company's brand reputation by showcasing your team's success. 📲 🌟 Let's celebrate the remarkable achievements of our internal teams and make the upcoming year, 2025, a year to remember! 🌟 #CustomersFirst #Year-EndAppreciation @TaceyAtkinson #CreatetheMagic #Teamwork #Success #2025 #CustomerCentric #Culture #EmployeeAttrition

Possibly a little controversial... We’ve all seen it... Companies posting team-building events, all-hands meetings, or “employee appreciation” days. Bright smiles, hashtag-filled captions, and perfectly staged group shots flood our feeds. But I pose a question - Is it genuine, or just a photo op? Too often, culture becomes a performance - a showcase for social media instead of a meaningful experience for employees. When the goal is a "LinkedIn-worthy" snapshot rather than authentic engagement, we risk creating a culture that’s only skin-deep. Here are a few red flags: 1) The “All Hype, No Heart” Syndrome: If team-building events or appreciation days feel like an obligation instead of a celebration, employees see through it. True culture goes beyond surface-level hype; it’s about creating a place where people feel valued everyday, not just for a photo op. 2) Performative Appreciation: Real appreciation isn’t about one-off “thank you” parties or public shout-outs. It’s about empowering employees to do meaningful work and listening to their ideas, concerns, and feedback. 3) Forced Fun Doesn’t Equal Fulfilment: When companies push high-energy “fun” events that feel scripted, it drains rather than uplifts. Employees are far more motivated by autonomy, trust, and respect than by staged activities that rarely feel authentic. 4) Values > Visuals: True culture lives in daily actions, conversations, and decisions, not in what can be shared online. When companies invest in their people’s growth, support real work-life balance, and encourage genuine inclusion, it shows up in more than just the visuals. What if we think about company culture differently - not as a curated feed but as a place where employees can thrive, be themselves, and do meaningful work without the pressure to pose for it. What would happen if we focused less on capturing “moments” and more on creating environments that actually make people want to stay? Friday thoughts, Folks!