All winning teams are goal oriented.  Teams like these win consistently because everyone connected with them concentrates on specific objectives.  They go about their business with blinders on; nothing will distract them from achieving their aims.

-Alexander Graham Bell

Contrary to what many owners think, good staff want to be well trained.  They crave learning how to do their jobs better and being stimulated by exciting new ideas.

-Tabatha Coffey, Own It!

For many home-based workers, the chief advantage of the home office is that it lets them achieve a more equitable balance between work and family.  The key word here is balance.  

Once of your most difficult tasks will be to convince loved ones that you really are working.  Even the most considerate family and friends may suffer from the common misconceptions about home-based work--you're available any time and you can drop whatever you are doing.  Make it clear that you are earning your livelihood, not indulging in a hobby.

- Emily Post's The Etiquette Advantage in Business

Unless the reason for a rule is understood, it is difficult to learn the rule, and it is still more difficult to apply it successfully in practice.

-George C. Crocker, Crocker's Principles of Procedure

 It can be very tempting to give the reason "because I said so"  because it's so quick and easy, but it is seldom a compelling explanation for the person who hears it.  It may make a toddler follow instructions for a brief time, but rarely does it lead to lasting change (anyone who has ever tried to get a four-year-old to stop jumping on the couch or bed has experienced this). And even more importantly, it fails to teach the child anything and does not give him or her the ability to apply the same concepts to new situations.

The idea that prompted this week's topic is the onset of our company retreat. Our company's executive team consists of individuals living in five different states, as well as four additional locations within one state. We are a team that works virtually. Getting together face-to-face is so important for not only our morale, but also for team building to ensure that our purpose aligns with our personal wants and needs, individually, and as a team. 

Over the years, we have worked with many teams where there was not a clear purpose, focus, or mission. These are the key ingredients or characteristics that will sustain high levels of team motivation, which translates into a unified and rewarding team experience.