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This is the 3rd article in a series that covers essential business principles for successfully leading a virtual professional services firm. This series delves into practical strategies and actionable solutions that foster growth of virtual services firms by turning challenges into opportunities and paving the way to success.
Leaders who empower their team to “get on the bus” and commit to the company’s goals and vision propel their business forward.
“Get on the bus” is a well-known concept. You likely heard some version of it before, especially when part of a team. The idea is alive and well in disciplines where cross-functional cooperation and collaboration are vital for success. Getting everyone to fully commit to working toward a common purpose leads to unity, alignment, collaboration, and success. Who can disagree with that?
Here’s the thing. Talking about “getting on the bus” at group or individual meetings can be a big snooze for the audience. When trying to rally a company around a mission and vision, employees tend to reply in a way that satisfies what leadership wants to hear. Communicating how they truly feel at that moment would be impolite. For example:
1a) Verbal Response: Yes, I understand. I am bought in and on board.
1b) Inner Monologue: That was obvious. Please let me get back to work.
2a) Verbal Response: We are all in this together. You can count on me.
2b) Inner Monologue: I am nodding yes. Yada, Yada, Yada. Let’s move on.
The risk of colleagues reacting with indifference when asked to “get on the bus” is not to be taken lightly. Too much is at stake. We are talking about the company’s future. There is only one way to minimize that risk. Sell the idea…sell it hard. Leaders should view the team as an uncertain group of consumers who need to be encouraged to get on the bus. The team should want to get on the bus.
Employ some direct marketing. Be positive and engaging. Inject some entertainment. HAVE FUN dammit!
“Getting on the bus” is naturally a more difficult concept for virtual professional services firms to fulfill. These companies are always working to overcome communication challenges. Virtual firms can have colleagues spread out across the country or possibly the globe. Consequently, a creative approach is almost required to get employees “on the bus” to promote a sense of common purpose even though the team is rarely, if ever, physically together.
ThinkGen is a 100% virtual research-enabled consultancy. About 4 years ago, leadership initiated a positive transformation which triggered multi-year growth. At the start, most employees welcomed the change and wanted to productively contribute to the vision. Some, however, resisted change and had difficulty adapting. A lot of leeway was given as we decisively stayed on course. Over time, we proactively managed the transformation which included hiring and welcoming an energetic group of new team members. These folks were excited to join the team and enthusiastic about the future. At that point, we took advantage of the opportunity to establish strong alignment around the company vision among long-standing and new employees.
I spent time thinking about a hook to help accomplish that goal. I held a meeting with Gina, a talented graphic designer, and the FUNKY FRESH BUS came to life.
If you want people to get on the bus, you must make the bus exciting and different. Bring it to life. Make it feel tangible. Make it memorable. Make it enjoyable to talk about. Amuse and surprise the team. Trust me, they will appreciate it. Even those who are difficult to please will be thankful for the effort. It does not even have to be a bus. It can be a plane, train, SUV, or anything sizable with seats. What matters is doing something that makes “getting on the bus” seem almost real so that people think that if they get on, they are going on an awesome fun-filled ride.
Reception to the Funky Fresh Bus far exceeded expectations. A lot of people really love it. The Funky Fresh Bus has a lot of stopping power. Numerous colleagues smile ear-to-ear when telling me they find the Funky Fresh Bus charismatic, hip, and groovy. Others discovered they enjoy saying “Funky Fresh.” The Funky Fresh Bus is super cool with flair and has style. It is both unconventional and modern. The Funky Fresh Bus is upbeat, soulful, and radiates a ton of positive energy. Given the chance, everyone would love to board the Funky Fresh Bus. There is not another bus like it anywhere.
The Funky Fresh Bus was intentionally designed to be a fun way to engage the team about our vision. For example, I have incorporated the Funky Fresh Bus:
1. When showing the team where we've been, where we are, and where we are going.
2. When demonstrating transformative achievements that are consistent with our vision.
3. When discussing potential revisions to the company vision longer term.
In effect, the Funky Fresh Bus is a symbol of shared commitment.
It is important to understand that the Funky Fresh Bus has multiple destinations to account for various components of the vision, such as culture, client experience, and performance targets. When we all get on the Funky Fresh Bus, we take the company to new heights.
It Feels Good to Put Tradition on the Sidelines at Times
In today’s workplace, especially in a virtual environment, using fun and personalized approaches can help leadership promote greater engagement and alignment with the company’s vision and values. “Getting on the bus” is all about uniting the team around a shared purpose. Every single colleague is valuable and a critical part of the journey. Infusing some joyfulness along the way strengthens everyone’s bond with each other.
