Last week at our company's annual retreat, we, as a team, took a cooking class. There's always a little something exciting in the midst of the company retreat to keep employees on our toes and bring us together at the same time. My first year with Serendipity, we went ziplining. If that didn't show people's true colors, I don't know what would–except a cooking class.
Chef Tina Marie Greene, owner of Kissing Rock Kitchens, gathered our team together to give introductions and explain the meal we'd be cooking (and eating) ourselves. She pointed out several different stations around the kitchen where we'd divide and conquer the meal. Without further adieu, she finished her formal presentation, but before she could give cooking assignments, the members of our team shot in all directions. Apparently divide and conquer at Serendipity calls for a pinch of chaos.
The reaction and consequences of beginning without professional instruction were very indicative of the work flow in the office. Some employees paired off and went to work with chatty conversation. Others worked more efficiently alone. Some breezed over instructions and asked "Could I do this a different way?" Others took a step back and waited until real instruction was given.
No matter the method, the meal was prepared and delicious.
"Serendipity definitely has some leaders and some worker bees," Tina Marie says. "There are different types of leaders: those who empower, those who lead by example, those who lead with charisma. It is much more than just that, but the philosophy/mission statement of Serendipity can have an impact on what kind of leadership style works best. Different positions within the company, as well as the size of the company, can also affect leadership styles."
We're a small office of (all but one) women, all career driven, goal oriented, and chocolate-loving, and at the end of the day, the week, or the production calendar, we all have our strengths. Even when tasks bleed into each other's job descriptions, there's an organized chaos that works when we work as a team.
Written by: Erika Fifelski is West Michigan Woman magazine's editorial coordinator. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism. Erika was born and raised in West Michigan, and after a brief stint on the sunrise side, she's home and loving it. She enjoys yoga, gardening, vacuuming, and discovering new ways to live sustainably and support local businesses.
