You can see from my speech in the video above that I wasn’t exactly prepared to be standing at that microphone. I can’t be alone. It surely isn’t the first time that someone was given the chance to share something important, and the words just weren’t quite right. And I know I’m not the only person who wishes for a second chance, or a “do-over”! An opportunity to share all the things I wish I had said…
At the Dallas Business Journal’s Best Places to Work event in October, we were honored to be included in the Micro Business category. We were surrounded by hundreds of Dallas area professionals who were there to celebrate an achievement that only 100 companies in the city could claim in 2023: a Best Place to Work! A Dixieland Jazz band set the tone for a luncheon that our team had looked forward to for weeks. We were enjoying the chance to connect with each other outside the office, catch up with some clients, and meet new people.
The real buzz at our table started when the Micro category was announced. The emcees began to count the list down to number 1. When it got down to company number 5, we became excited that we would be in the top 5 this year… we placed 11th in 2021. When the number 3 company was called, we were even more thrilled that we had made it into the top 3! After the number 2 company was called – we lit up! Were we really the number 1 spot!? Then it sank in. We had accomplished a stated goal that we have had for over a decade! We beamed as the announcement of “PrideStaff and PrideStaff Financial” was made. I bounded up to the stage to accept our award and on to the microphone. I looked out at a room filled with Dallas’ top employers and realized…. I have absolutely nothing prepared to say!
Granted, I was able to share gratitude and admiration for my team, and congratulate the other teams in the room with humility. But, here are all the things I wish I would have said as well:
A great place to work is created by every stakeholder.
I did say that my team was loud, and fun. But I didn’t share why that mattered. It isn’t just the leadership that determines how it feels to work with a company. It’s all of us.
We are all the authors of our culture.
I did say it was an undertaking to be a great place to work. I didn’t share that whether we are intentional or not, we all collaborate to shape the culture of an organization.
A strong company culture takes intention.
It starts with a goal to create a place that everyone is seen, and heard. With that intention everyone feels valued, and each individual’s needs are met.
It is the way we make each other feel that bonds our employees, and therefore our clients to the brand.
When the people inside the organization feel valued, they deliver that experience to those around them; their co-workers and those they serve.
Next year, I’ll be ready!
Amy Linn, Strategic-Partner
Ready to find and retain top talent for your business by partnering with one of Dallas’ Best Places to Work? Our team of staffing professionals is committed to understanding your unique needs and working toward your business goals. Contact us today to get started – Dallas@PrideStaff.com | (972)661-1616
