As you know, the success of your landscape company really relies on the strength of your team. So, how do you create a great team? Well, we’re the first to say it isn’t always easy, but luckily we have several tips to make building teams easier.
From recruiting the best landscape workers, making them feel part of the team, and giving them the tools they need to succeed, there’s a lot you can do to make your employees feel valued. In turn, this positivity will result in highly effective teams who are stronger together than they are on their own. And with that, we’re on to the team building tips!
1. Find the Right Team
Easier said than done, however we have some great tips on recruiting for your landscape business. Before you start your search, consider the “ideal” candidate. Sure, you’ll likely never find someone who checks every box, but you may get close. Some good qualities to look for include their communication skill, dependability, ambition, and excitement.
From there, start to ask around. Relying on referrals is our number one tip for hiring the right talent. Start by asking other landscape business owners, vendors, even current employees that you admire if they know of anyone looking for a job in the industry. You’d be surprised at how quickly you’ll be able to amass a team of hard-working individuals by tapping into your resources.
2. Invest in Your Talent
Once you have a team of landscape workers, it’s time to put your money where your mouth is. What do we mean? Pay the extra admission fee to have them join you at expositions. Update their equipment on a routine basis. Maybe they want to get certified through the NALP–cover the cost. These small gestures not only show your employees that you value them, it shows your commitment to their long-lasting success.
It goes without saying that your employees' self-improvement results in a stronger team with better skills and diversified talents. It’s teamwork at its highest functioning.
3. Create a Positive Work Environment
You know who wants to work hard and do their job well day in and day out? The employees who actually like where they work. As the owner, a positive work environment starts with you. It’s necessary that you’re able to instill a sense of trust, respect, teamwork, open-mindedness, support and equity. Bottom line, you just have to treat your employees how you’d want them to treat each other–because the relationship they have with one another is what determines how well they work together.
4. Praise Their Success
Nothing’s worse than a boss who is quick to point out flaws but never celebrates your wins. Instead, be your employees’ biggest advocate. When landscape workers see their boss lift them up, they’ll be more likely to lift each other up, too. Start small with appreciative phrases spoken directly to the employee. And then eventually you can try to publicly celebrate the team’s success by sending out weekly reports, hosting in-person team meetings, or even dedicating monthly team celebrations. This cycle of positivity is an easy way to promote stronger teams who will work better together and actually enjoy it.
Team Building Activities You Can Try Today
Now that you know what it takes to build a team of hardworking individuals, it’s time to have a little fun. As business owners, you’re the first to know work often comes first, but prioritizing play every now and then can result in major rewards. For stress reduction, a greater sense of purpose, a sense of belonging - trust–team building exercises are great tools for lawn care businesses. And with that, here are a few fun ideas to try for yourself!
- Set up a scavenger hunt across the city you service
- Show and tell with personal items that you love
- Volunteer through a local organization
- Host a pot-luck lunch and learn
These ideas are easy to implement and make your employees feel as though they are part of something larger. Which one are you willing to try first?
Teamwork Really Does Make the Dream Work
Building teams is one thing, but retaining that team is another. Now that you know how to create a team that wants to work together, learn more about what it takes to keep that momentum going. At McFarlin Stanford, we know a thing or two about landscape business success–and we’re more than happy to share our insights with you so you can achieve the company growth you desire.
Before the services you offer or money you make, your team comes first. Because without them, you have no services to offer or money to make. For more one-on-one advice on how to cultivate teamwork and which team building strategies work best, talk to one of our executive coaches today.