We are rounding out an incredibly busy month at Footers. When the month comes to a close we will have served 11,722 guests over the course of 70 events. Our team has worked countless hours everywhere from Colorado Springs to Steamboat Springs. We’ve weathered the storm of challenges that come with the territory of catering and literally weathered the elements on many outdoor events. From weddings to fundraisers, mitzvahs to corporate galas and memorial celebrations to VIP tailgate parties, our team has done an awesome job executing at a ridiculously high level. This accomplishment makes me incredibly proud, but what really stands out to me is how our team has truly come together as a TEAM.

Simon Sinek said, “A team is not a group of people who work together, a team is a group of people that trust each other.” I can attest to the fact that our ability to work together is directly related to the trust we have in one another to not only do our job, but also pick each other up when necessary. I’ve watched our team collaborate and over communicate leading up to events. I’ve seen them work together to find solutions to problems instead of pointing blame. I’ve witnessed many “mibes” when they’ve seen opportunities for improvement despite being deep in execution mode. And all of this has been done with smiles on their faces and predominately positive attitudes. Sure there have been times when tensions run high, but they seem to be short lived and are often addressed by others team members who remind one another of what are core values mean.

Many years ago when I was working for my father, I read Patrick Lencioni’s “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” and I remember thinking; “Yep….we’ve got all of those”. Here is a great video that summarizes the dysfunctions. If you’re looking to strengthen your team, this is a pretty good place to start and to evaluate what elements might be holding you back. As I reviewed the dysfunctions last week, it’s amazing to see that our company is in a much different place and has overcome many of the roadblocks that get in the way of most teams.

It’s taken time to get where we are, and I’m so fortunate to work with our team here at Footers. I can honestly say this is the best team I’ve ever been part of. I truly look forward to seeing their faces every day and I continue to be inspired by the work that they do. They are writing an awesome story in the Footers’ history books and although they have already accomplished a lot, the coolest thing, is that they are just getting started! If you are a leader, I hope you take some time to reflect on where your team stands, thank them for all of their hard work, and celebrate their accomplishments!