I luv my team... and my buddy Dave

Dave Cowell

Today unashamedly I'm going to talk about luv, the inspiration of poets , philosophers and kings, and an element of the people strategy at Equans UK&I.

We have an idea at Equans UK & Ireland about luv, it's a very noble idea, which is, I luv my team. I would like to put a few words together that set out, it takes a concerted effort to bring ideas to life, however, there are some individuals that can bring concepts to life effortlessly. This is because they are characteristics deeply woven into the DNA of a person, an intrinsic part of who they are, and what they stand for.

So what does it take to create an environment within in a team to nurture and cultivate luv? Ask Dave Cowell , and in my my next post I will.... :-)

But for today I'm going to share that I was lucky enough this week to be in Bristol at a team away day with the Learning and Development team, of which I am an honorary member, (along with loads of other teams at Equans), because I'm the DE&I guy and I go where others fear tread, weaving my my binding thread, engaging enabling and embedding as I go.

We had an inspiring and energising day full of making personal and professional connections organised by Ian Price , thank you! This is a critical element, taking your team out of it's everyday working environment and creating a safe, different new space, within which to explore, share and connect.

For me the principles of DE&I are a cornerstone for cultivating love, developing deeper relationships with individuals, within teams, with customers and clients as it sparks a conversation about what makes us tick, our values as human beings, as individuals, as we attempt to create an identity in the murky waters of a potentially faceless corporate context.

How does this happen, here are some top tips, based on DE&I principles

1. Lead with Empathy: Show empathy towards your team members by trying to walk a few steps in their shoes to understand their diverse perspectives, whilst actively listening to their concerns and engaging with their ideas.
2. Build Trust: Establish trust within your team by being open, transparent, reliable, and honest in your communications and actions. Trust forms the foundation of authentic inclusive relationships and fosters a sense of belonging.
3. Encourage Vulnerability: Create a safe and supportive environment where team members feel comfortable being vulnerable and expressing their true thoughts and feelings. Encourage open communication, ensuring everyone has a voice and reassure team members that it's okay to make mistakes and learn from them.
4. Demonstrate Appreciation: Regularly acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and contributions of all your team members. Show gratitude for their hard work, dedication, and unique talents. Personalised recognition and praise go a long way in fostering feelings of love and appreciation.
5. Lead by Example: Model the behaviour you want to see in your team. Show openness, kindness, compassion, and respect towards others in your actions and interactions. Your behaviour sets the tone for the team culture and influences how team members treat each other.
6. Support Personal Growth: Invest in the personal and professional development of your team members. Provide opportunities for learning, growth, and skill development, and offer coaching, mentorship and guidance to help them reach their full potential.
7. Promote Collaboration and Teamwork: Encourage collaboration and teamwork within your team by fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity. Create opportunities for team members to work together, share ideas, and support each other in achieving common goals. Nobody really want to be a lone ranger.
8. Celebrate Successes Together: Celebrate team successes and milestones together as a team. Recognise and reward collective achievements, and take the time to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of each team member.
9. Create a Positive Work Environment: Foster a positive, inclusive work environment where team members feel valued, respected, and supported. Encourage positivity, optimism, and a sense of humor, and address any negativity or conflict proactively, rather than led it linger.
10. Prioritise Work-Life Balance: Respect and prioritise the work-life balance of your team members. Encourage them to take breaks, use their vacation time, and prioritize self-care. Show understanding and flexibility when accommodating personal needs and responsibilities.

My mate Dave Cowell , one of a kind, one in a million guy epitomises these traits and brings these qualities to life effortlessly. Dave you will be missed, but not before I do an interview with you, ha ha ha.