Building Firm Foundations for Small Businesses: Insights from the “Firm Foundations”
Workshop
At 1st Advantage Bank, we understand the unique challenges faced by small businesses,
especially those without dedicated HR departments. Our recent “Firm Foundations” workshop,
presented by Patterson Consulting Group, aimed to provide practical strategies for building
stronger, more motivated teams. We’ve partnered with Patterson Consulting with great success.
Keep reading for some key takeaways and activities that can help you foster a supportive and
engaging work environment while retaining your top talent.
The Human Element in Business
Small businesses often rely on a few individuals to wear multiple hats, including HR
responsibilities. Emphasizing a people-first approach, the workshop focused on motivation and
talent retention to help businesses create environments where employees can thrive.
The Solo Cup Pyramid Challenge
One of the workshop’s interactive activities was the Solo Cup Pyramid Challenge.
This teambuilding exercise requires participants to collaboratively build the tallest pyramid, starting with a
single cup and adding subsequent rows by only lifting the bottom cups using their index fingers.
This activity highlights the importance of strategic planning, teamwork, and resilience – key
components in any successful business.
Understanding Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
A major theme of the workshop was applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to organizational
contexts. We explored how each level of the hierarchy relates to employee motivation and
engagement:
1. Physiological Needs: Basic workplace conditions such as proper lighting, seating, and regular
breaks.
2. Safety Needs: Job security, safe work environment, healthcare, and clear communication of
policies.
3. Love and Belonging: Team-building activities, social interactions, and recognition programs.
4. Esteem Needs: Opportunities for recognition, respect, and responsibility within the
workplace.
5. Self-Actualization: Providing avenues for personal and professional growth, such as training
and leadership opportunities
Madison Zona, the Presenter and owner of Patterson Consulting Group, mentioned that all too
often, employers will say, ‘We provide these training opportunities, we have tuition
advancement, and we encourage participation, yet no one is taking advantage of these
opportunities. Meanwhile, employees are thinking, ‘I work from 8 to 8 every day, I’m
overwhelmed, overworked, and exhausted. I haven’t seen my family in days.’ No matter how
much we promote training, if employees’ basic needs aren’t met, it won’t make a difference.
Consider your own life outside of work: when our basic needs aren’t met—when we’re unwell,
hungry, or tired—we’re not at our best. So why would we expect our employees to engage fully
with our organizations and teams if we don’t create a stable foundation for them?
Let’s get to work to change that.
Creating a Workplace Motivation Pyramid
Participants were tasked with developing their own Workplace Motivation Pyramid. Here’s how
you can do it too:
1. Define the Current State: Assess how well your organization meets the basic, safety,
love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization needs of your employees.
2. Identify Opportunities: Look for gaps or areas where your organization can improve.
3. Brainstorm Solutions: Develop practical strategies to address these opportunities.
4. Assign Responsibilities: Identify who within your organization can help implement these
solutions
Practical Examples from the Workshop
During the workshop, participants shared several effective strategies for meeting employee
needs at different levels. Here are some examples:
– Basic Needs: Establish break rooms, provide flexible working hours, ensure access to water
and comfortable working conditions.
– Safety Needs: Implement OSHA training, conduct regular safety meetings, and ensure
transparent communication about job security.
– Love and Belonging: Organize group projects, offer mental health support, and recognize
achievements through newsletters and social media shout-outs.
– Esteem Needs: Create employee recognition programs, provide regular performance reviews,
and offer bonuses for exceptional work.
– Self-Actualization: Facilitate training and cross-training opportunities, promote to leadership
roles, and support personal development initiatives.
Moving Forward
By understanding and addressing the different levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs,
businesses can create a solid foundation for employee motivation and engagement. This holistic
approach ensures that employees feel valued and supported, ultimately leading to a more
productive and positive workplace.
At 1st Advantage Bank, we are committed to helping small businesses succeed beyond their
financial health. By integrating these strategies into your leadership and organizational
development practices, you can drive positive change and foster a thriving work environment.
Are you ready to build a better workplace culture for your employees? Contact Patterson
Consulting Group to see how they can assist your organization in supporting employee growth
and success. Schedule a 1-hour free strategy session with their team by visiting their website
pattersonconsultinggroup.com.
To be notified of future business workshops, give us a call 636.970.0440 and asked to be added
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