Step 5: Camaraderie

The team that laughs and plays together is more likely to stay together. In the end, employees are more inclined to stay on the job and remain with a company if they have a positive work experience.

Can I be myself and enjoy work?

Action Plan

  • Share your human side. Let people see that you are human and occasionally make mistakes. It builds trust, creates the feeling that we're all in this together and can foster a closer, more spirited workforce.
  • When appropriate, spontaneously join other employees - in the cafeteria or on the shop floor, though be careful not to stop or shift a conversation, whether it appears to be serious or light-hearted.
  • Encourage role play by having managers/employees assume customer/competitors/regulators roles while you take on their role to help them. This can help them understand how you would do it and help you understand why it may be difficult for them. Work together to try to solve their current problem. Ask individuals to think about their role before you get together.

Do I help create a welcoming atmosphere?

Action Plan

  • Go out of your way to walk the talk on your commitment to promote an inclusive workplace which accepts everyone. Have zero-tolerance for discrimination or harassment.
  • Have a new employee introduced personally as well as by the company intranet. Explain what the employee brings to the company. Assign an employee to mentor the new employee during their first month on the job.
  • Consider designating one lunch hour a week as a "definitely not lunch at your desk day" and either take a group out for lunch or order in. You do not necessarily have to pay for the lunch, but regularly invite everyone along.

Do I contribute to a sense of team?

Action Plan

  • Generally speaking, the owner or CEO should be seen as a member of the team, though clearly the one who has the ultimate responsibility.
  • Promote teamwork and excellence within and among teams. Go out of your way to help teams support and encourage their members.
  • In the healthy workplace, one employee's well-being - or mental health - is another's. Foster an environment where an employee having a difficult time can count on help from team members, other co-workers or professional staff. Help employees know that he or she will not be the subject of whispers and stares but rather will feel that the company and co-workers care.

Create your own action plan

Leadership Matters-Strengthen Camaraderie [PDF]

Last updated on: July 31, 2008