We all know company culture is an integral part of business, but perhaps no one understands this more deeply than F. Ron Smith and David Berg — the ultimate movers and shakers on the SBP team. Often regarded as the go-to source for all things teamwork and collaboration, Smith & Berg know a thing or two about creating a positive workplace atmosphere (hint: lots of laughs and tequila). So, we decided to sit down with the duo to learn more about their tips and tricks on establishing (and maintaining) a strong company culture, even from home — all below.
*Please note that SBP follows all social distancing guidelines; many photos included are pre-pandemic.
Why is having a positive company culture important to you?
It’s simple — people who love their jobs are proven to do better work. We constantly seek to create a positive environment (even if it’s virtual) that our team members can look forward to participating in every day and that pushes them to be the best that they can be.
How do you achieve this with everyone working at home?
Regular Zoom meetings. We transferred our office culture to a virtual culture when we all started working from home and find that if we all stay connected daily, then it’s easy for us to maintain a strong bond.
How does everyone stay connected and motivated when not working together in the office?
By keeping each other accountable. Each member of the SBP team has a dedicated accountability partner who they check in with on a daily basis. Chatting with other team members keeps you motivated and on task.
What’s the biggest, most important piece of advice that you share with team members on a daily basis?
PICK UP THE PHONE. Especially during the pandemic, it’s the perfect time to check in on your clients, many of whom are friends and family.
What do you think is the secret sauce for achieving a good work-life balance?
Organize your database and streamline your daily tasks by planning ahead as much as possible.
What non-work-related activities does the SBP team love these days?
We always host Zoom Happy Hour on Thursdays. We get the drinks flowing, chat about irrelevant (and most often irreverent) topics — like what’s on deck for the weekend, what shows we’re watching, etc. — and we’re transported back to our yesteryear office banter.
What is your team doing to ensure a strong company culture from home? Share your top tips and tricks with us by emailing [email protected] or tagging us on Instagram @smithandberg. After all — teamwork does make the dream work.
