Monthly Archives: December 2014

Team Work: Inspiring Team Spirit, and Organizing Your Way to Success.

The Trophy Shop supplies Trophies and Awards in Mississauga, corporate apparel, team jerseys, custom embroidery and much more. We see our fair share of winners, runners-up, captains, and star players. Over the years our family business has learned a thing or two about keeping a team together, running smoothly, and delivering results – whether it’s stitching your team shirts or succeeding on the field this season. Here are a few of the most important pointers we’ve picked up while working with some of the greatest teams in Ontario:

Pick Team Players: If your team contains self-serving individuals or glory-hunters, they are likely to take away from the rest of the team. If you want to build a great team, go back to the building blocks and make sure that the importance of a team culture is appreciated by everyone. Here at the Trophy Shop, our business only hires passionate employees with an understanding of the camaraderie it takes to get a last minute custom apparel order in on time.

Team Familiarity: Harvard studies have shown that when familiarity in a team increases, defects decreased. And differences among team members can often lead to confusion, poor communication, and conflict. When each person understands the weaknesses and strengths of their fellow teammates, they know who to pass the ball to in a time of crisis. We run a well-oiled family business that allows us to rely on one another and specialize in producing only the best clothing apparel, and trophies in Mississauga.

Define Your Goals: Do you want to move up 3 places on the leader board this season, or deliver a huge custom apparel and embroidery order by next week? Whatever your goal is, defining an achievable bar for success motivates everybody and gives the team a tangible point to reach for.

Keep Learning: Whether you’re the best at what you do, or starting from the bottom – there is always room to improve and learn. Doing the same thing every day will keep you in the same place. Asking how you can make what you do better is what sets you apart from the rest. Keep your team stimulated by continuing to learn and improve yourself, your team, or your business.

Peer Accountability: In a team, a top down approach doesn’t always inspire the spirit we hope for. Instead of creating a hierarchy – try peer accountability, in which every team member is answerable to the whole team. After all, not showing up to practice or pulling your weight in the office lets the whole side down. Whether you’re running on the track or running a family business like we are; keeping a team together is the key to producing great results and having fun! We hope that if you follow this advice, some of our awards and trophies in Mississauga will fall into your hands.