Femmeprenista Team Building Culture: Build Your Dream Team
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Oct 11, 2024
- 5 min read
Building a Dream Team: Weaving Femmeprenista Values into Your Business Culture
Ever feel like building a strong team is like trying to bake a soufflé while juggling four toddlers and two hyperactive puppies? (Okay, maybe not exactly like that, but you get the drift.) It's a delicate balance of ingredients, timing, and a whole lot of heart. And if you're anything like me – navigating motherhood, PhD research, and running a business – the challenge can feel particularly intense. But even beyond the motherhood juggle, the pressure to "do it all" and be everything to everyone, especially as female entrepreneurs, can make team building feel like another mountain to climb. It's like trying to build a castle with one hand while holding back a tidal wave of to-dos with the other. We're all balancing so much, it's a universal entrepreneurial challenge.
As female entrepreneurs, we face unique hurdles. We're often balancing responsibilities, sometimes without the extensive local support network we might wish for. And let's be honest, that old "9-to-5" model just doesn't cut it when you’re juggling the realities of modern life & family! So, how do we create a thriving team culture that not only supports our business goals but also honors our values and the actual lives we live? #BusinessCoachingForFemaleEntrepreneurs
Creating a Culture of Family & Support
For many of us, the desire for greater flexibility and control over our time was a major driver for choosing the entrepreneurial path. We wanted a life that integrated seamlessly with our family commitments, not one that forced us to constantly choose between being a present parent and a successful business owner. Building a team culture grounded in "family" extends this. It means fostering an environment of support & understanding. A place where everyone feels valued & respected.
Think of it as your extended professional family – people united by shared vision. We are deeply invested in each other's wins, big or small. This can manifest in flexible work arrangements. It’s understanding when a school pick-up takes priority or childcare falls through. It's creating space for open communication & even vulnerability. Even now, I sometimes struggle to fully delegate and empower my team, especially when I'm feeling overwhelmed by my PhD research and the general chaos of having four kids under ten (and two energetic Miniature Pinschers who think they’re part of the team meetings!). It's a journey, not a destination.
It's also about celebrating milestones, both personal & professional. I remember a particularly challenging week during my MBA. I was juggling deadlines, a sick toddler, & a presentation on market segmentation that felt like it would never end. My study group, sensing my overwhelm, stepped in. They not only helped me refine the presentation slides, but also took turns entertaining my daughter with silly faces and peek-a-boo during our online study sessions. It was a powerful reminder that a strong team can be a true support system. It was definitely a "we're all in this together" moment. Early in my leadership journey, I struggled to delegate effectively, often taking on too much myself and burning out. It took me a while, & a few tearful nights, to realize that asking for help isn't a weakness, it's a strength. #teamculture #femaleentrepreneur
Fostering Holistic Growth & Empowerment
At Femmeprenista, we believe in nurturing the whole person – another core value. This means providing opportunities for growth, both personally & professionally. We encourage continuous learning & a growth mindset. #BusinessCoach Think about it: how can your business grow if your people aren't growing too?
This might involve:
Curated training resources,
Tailored mentorship programs, or
Simply creating space for team members to explore passions & side hustles.
What lights them up outside of work often fuels their creativity and innovation within the business. One example is offering LinkedIn Learning licenses to your entire team. Or, it could be a dedicated book allowance. Another powerful strategy is quarterly goal-setting sessions where each person clarifies their growth objectives. These sessions combine individual aspirations with company goals.
I vividly recall the feeling of finally finding my "tribe" at the University of East London (UEL) after a less fulfilling start at another university. The environment at UEL allowed me to thrive, both academically and as a young mother. It taught me the profound impact of the right environment. Creating a similar culture within your team can unlock incredible talent & innovation. #femalelader #entrepreneurship
Embracing Work-Life Integration
This isn’t just about flexible schedules; it’s about designing systems & processes that actively support work-life harmony. This is where the "Flow" and "Fusion" pillars of our Business Flourish Framework come in. "Flow" is all about creating efficient systems & workflows, while "Fusion" is about strategically integrating AI and automation to enhance those systems and reclaim your time & energy. It's about working smarter, not just harder. Every team member, including yourself, deserves to feel fulfilled by their work & their life outside of work. This might involve clear boundaries around communication (no late-night emails unless it's a true emergency!), leveraging AI & automation to streamline tasks, or a shared team calendar that incorporates personal commitments. I know from experience that “Dora the Explorer” in the background isn’t conducive to focus! Creating a culture where team members can switch off & recharge isn’t just good for their well-being; it’s essential for productivity & creativity. The reality is, as I’m writing this, my two-year-old is attempting to climb the shelves & one of the dogs is howling because she wants a treat. We’re juggling, always!
Building Sustainable Success Together
Sustainable success isn’t about short-term gains or burning out your team. It’s about building a resilient business that thrives long-term. This requires a strategic approach. Think of it as tending a garden; consistent nurturing is key. Here's a 3-step actionable plan:
Implement a well-being program: Prioritize team members' mental and emotional health through initiatives like mindfulness sessions, flexible work arrangements, or even just encouraging breaks & time off.
Invest in team training & development: Equip your team with the skills and resources they need to excel in their roles and grow professionally. This could include online courses, mentorship programs, or opportunities to attend industry conferences.
Create robust system documentation: Documenting processes & creating clear systems ensures efficiency, reduces errors, and allows for smoother scaling as your team grows. This also means having clear communication channels & project management tools in place.
Building a sustainable team requires ongoing investment & support. Research shows that companies with values-driven cultures experience higher employee engagement and lower turnover rates, leading to improved overall performance. This also means understanding the socio-economic pressures facing many, particularly Millennials like myself. For example, with stagnant wages for over a decade & the rising cost of childcare and housing, it's no surprise that many are seeking alternative career paths for both financial security & more fulfilling work. Millennials, in my view, are among the most resourceful & entrepreneurial generations out there, precisely because we’ve had to be! #smallbusiness #businesscoaching
Values-Driven Culture: Your Secret Weapon
Building a team culture based on shared values is a strategic imperative. A strong culture becomes a powerful differentiator, attracting & retaining top talent aligned with your vision. It’s about creating a space where individuals feel valued, respected, & empowered. It also helps tackle those pesky limiting beliefs, like those about pricing. You are worth more than you think! As Adrienne Weimer says, "To be clear is to be kind." #businesscoachingforwomen
Ready to take your team culture to the next level & build a dream team that truly embodies your values? Join our Femme:Connect community to share your experiences, learn from other female entrepreneurs, & get the support you need. #FemaleEntrepreneurs
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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