A Fishhook expert unpacks what it looks like to maximize your team resources.

Welcome to Part 4 of our four part series on Maximizing Your Team. If you are just joining us we would love for you to also take a look at "Part 1: Culture," "Part 2: Unity," and "Part 3: Project Management!"

One of our goals at Fishhook is to make sure we are doing everything we can so that our culture, unity, project management and resources are maximized. Our hope is that by being intentional about these four major categories we can create a fun and effective atmosphere that benefits both our team and our clients.

We also want you to have a team atmosphere that feels intentional and effective. With this in mind, we’ve asked a few Fishhookers to unpack some of our processes and experiences so that you can use them to help maximize your team culture, unity, project management and resources.

PART 4: Maximizing Your Team Resources - (the people, supplies, finances, etc.)
Fishhook Expert: Leah Norton - Communications Strategist
Team connector. Client advocate. Corporate and agency P.R. type. Wife. Mom. Dog owner. Unconditionally loved. Forever grateful.

What do you love most about maximizing your team’s resources?
Two things come to mind immediately: It's very exciting when maximizing our resources turns into excellent work and wins for our clients! We are thrilled when our clients are energized and see great impact and value through our collaboration.

Second - maximizing our team's resources makes for a team of people who are grateful, excited, fulfilled and ready for more! These are intangibles that are worth so much!

Outline 3 ways Fishhook works to maximize the team’s resources.

  1. We work to know and understand one another. Each person brings such unique gifts, passions and experiences to Fishhook. We love to understand what brings each person to life.
  2.  Then, based on what we understand about each team member, we try to give each person the opportunity to run after and be part of whatever they are most gifted at or passionate about (with some guidelines and direction given, as needed). We hope that the freedom and flexibility of our team allows each person to grow, thrive creatively and be the best version of himself or herself. (And quite honestly, this is an area we are working on. This has gotten more challenging with a larger team.)
  3. We try not to force anything with our team. We strive to find peace and excitement or momentum in our relationships and our work. If anything feels forced, we pause, we pray, we ask questions, we have a conversation and we consider other options. It doesn't mean that we find resolution immediately. Sometimes it takes time. And it can be very challenging. But we try to be open, patient and loving.

Which of these 3 do you feel is most important and why?
For me, #3 is key. I've seen so many teams, organizations and even people in their family settings or friendships try to force things. I can be guilty of it too! But long-term, forcing things doesn't build a healthy, vibrant group.  

How does maximizing the team’s resources affect their ability to build team culture?
When each person has respect, flexibility and freedom to grow in their role at Fishhook, then, I believe, they will maximize how they give to the organization. But not just with what their job description suggests, but I believe people will maximize what they offer to the team through their sarcasm, laughter, caring, celebrating and more.

How does maximizing the team’s resources affect their ability to build team unity?
If people feel safe and cared for—and if the mission of your organization is meaningful and something they feel called to—then, I believe, your ability to build team unity is nearly unstoppable.

How does maximizing the team’s resources affect their ability to maximize their project management?
With every team, there will be people/leaders who excel at organizing the project management details. Look to these folks. Lean on them to set up the processes and organize the majority of the details. Then, others can run with other parts of the work.

Do you have a story that illustrates the positive effects of maximizing your team’s resources?
We have folks at Fishhook who love the relationships with our clients, partners and friends. We have others who are on a high when they can check things off the to-do list and get all the details of various projects organized and completed. We're continually assessing what various people feel called to do (what brings them to life), and we work to build a team structure that helps people come to life in these roles!