Keeping yourself motivated is one thing, but making sure your team has drive and ambition is another. This week, we asked seven designers—Mary Holland, Meg Lonergan, Erica and Justin Lugbill, Lindsay Olson, Hill Rondero and Kelly Zerbini—to share how they boost team morale.
Common Goal
“We become motivated when we all rally around a common goal—whether a sales aspiration, a marketing objective, a deadline or a travel milestone. When the goal is clearly defined and communicated within the team, it’s exciting to come together to reach that destination as a group. I truly believe that collaboration makes almost everything feel more attainable, with the pressure not resting on just one person’s shoulders.” —Meg Lonergan, Meg Lonergan Interiors, Houston
Community Events
“Communication is the most crucial aspect of motivating a team and keeping everyone engaged. We are committed to having fun and connecting outside of working hours with quirky events, such as our recent bowling outing, where each staff member wore an animal mask to represent their corresponding [bowling] team. It’s important to allow space and time for your staff to unwind, bond, and engage with one another in a relaxed atmosphere. Our days can get busy, and if we don’t take the time to connect, our work can start to feel more like a daily grind than an environment we actually want to work in. I believe that a team that invests in one another and genuinely cares for each other is the best kind of motivation.” —Mary Holland, Holland MacRae, Atlanta
In Their Hands
“I make sure to be conscious of workload and create an environment of flexibility. My concern is to always have a positive work environment with laughter. We work hard when it’s important or time-sensitive. Otherwise, as long as employees are meeting expectations, they make their own schedule. I love giving employees [additional] time off when I can! I think they feel valued and appreciate thoughtfulness. Monetary bonuses always help too.” —Hill Rondero, Ro House Studio, Charlotte
All Hands On Deck
“I believe empowering my senior and junior designers to have ownership and accountability for the success of each project is essential. I bring the team to job site meetings to immerse them in the scope of the project, giving them a firsthand look at key players and allowing them to take a more active role in managing the project. One of the simplest yet most impactful things I do to boost team morale is provide opportunities for everyone to contribute creatively to the design process. Whether it’s offering a brainstorming session where all ideas are welcome or creating opportunities for my team to expand their creative horizons—whether through in-office sessions or by visiting studios of bespoke artisans who offer distinctive products not typically found in showrooms—by fostering an environment where new ideas can be discovered and shared, I’m able to maintain a collaborative culture that thrives on creativity.” —Kelly Zerbini, Dunnam Zerbini Design, New York
Piece of the Pie
“To motivate our team, we give our employees skin in the game. Every year, we give back a sizable chunk of our profits to key employees. This fosters a sense of ownership and commitment, incentivizing people to work hard and smart. We also provide radical transparency. We communicate as clearly as we can about the company’s values, vision and finances. Eliminating ambiguity gives people confidence in the organization and their role in it. When they understand where the company is headed and their role in it, they feel more invested. Outside of standard things like 401(k), health reimbursement accounts and technology stipends, we do things like give employees time off to celebrate their birthday, and frequent meals at the company. When in transit to/from clients or during our regular team meetings, we poll the group and decide which restaurant to indulge in. Sweetgreen, Nando’s, and local Chicago taquerias are often in the mix!” —Erica and Justin Lugbill, Lugbill Designs, Chicago
Psych 101
“I truly believe that people work best when there is a healthy and open relationship between myself and my team individually and collectively. I stay abreast of the latest personality tests and any psychology of what makes people behave. Once a month, we take a day to learn about each other by taking these tests to better know and see each other. I also stay up to date on my industry and trade shows, as well as going to new shops or our favorite showrooms together. Lunch-and-learn events along with designers’ day out are a great way to bond and strategize to work effectively. I also believe in the psyche of the space we work in, so that is updated with my team’s feedback as well as keeping it stocked with everyone’s favorites.” —Lindsay Olson, Lulu Designs, Costa Mesa, California
