If 2020 has taught us one thing, it's the importance of team spirit.  And Insider Pro demonstrated this clearly at our Christmas jumper charity event last week.  Since March, everyone has been forced into a position of uncertainty and isolation and being part of a team has become even more important.  It was critical to decide quickly on the best ways to hold the team together, communicate, connect and maintain important relationships. 

At Insider Pro, everyone has worked from home throughout, with only a few visits to make sure the office was still standing.  We have built entirely new communication strategies with our customers and suppliers and  have recruited and onboarded three new team members, training them professionally online.  We have launched new agile software now used by everyone in the company.  None of this would have been possible without a focus on teamwork.  We always knew it was important but the experience of 2020 has brought the essential elements to the fore. 

There is plenty of good reading or listening available on the topic of effective team working and team performance - see Simon Sinek's Trusting Teams talk from September 2019.

or Mike Schoultz with his top 10 characteristics 

• Clear direction. ...
• Open and honest communication. ...
• Support risk taking and change. ...
• Defined roles. ...
• Mutually accountable. ...
• Communicate freely. ...
• Common goals. ...
• Encourage differences in opinions.

But we have learnt it's also about empathy, looking out for each other, checking in frequently to make sure people are okay and taking care of each other.  

And having some fun together even if it is through a screen!   Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all from the Insider Pro team.