about Traditions.
Traditions are principles or ways of doing things that are repeated regularly, often for many years. Traditions are part of the culture of the organization.
Remember the musical, Fiddler on the Roof? Tevye, the father, sings the now famous song, “Tradition”. The song sets up the theme of the villagers trying to maintain their traditions and keep their society running as the world around them changes.
Notre Dame Football – a Lengthy Tradition
Several weeks ago, my wife and business partner, Elizabeth Jeffries, and I spent the weekend in South Bend, Indiana, taking in the long time tradition of football weekend. Elizabeth’s nephew, John Prette, is Director of Information Technology for the Notre Dame Alumni Association. John is also a graduate of ND.
On Friday afternoon, we went to the Alumni hall for a special lunch experience, then to “Chalk Talk” where one of the assistant coaches analyzes the opposing team, a tour of the campus, and finishing the afternoon at the Beer Garden. On Saturday, Game Day, we tail gated in an outer parking area, and then walked to the center of campus for the traditional band concert by the marching band, and then the parade across campus to the stadium.
The Parade to the Stadium
One of the traditions of Game Day at Notre Dame is the parade to the stadium. The band, cheerleaders, majorettes, and color guard parade across the campus, led by the Notre Dame Leprechaun. What a wonderful start to a beautiful Saturday afternoon.
Home Care Company Traditions
We’ve worked with hundreds of Home Care companies over the past two decades, and a number of the companies in the top tier of our industry have their own traditions to keep their history and culture alive. Here are some of the traditions we have observed that are meaningful to the leaders and team members of these companies.
- The Annual Awards Dinner – several companies we know have an annual dinner where they honor their caregivers, and give recognition for accomplishments and contributions to the company.
- The Annual Company Picnic – companies often have a summer event for all employees, families, and clients at a theme park or other happy venue.
- The Annual Company Strategy Retreat – where leaders gather on a regular basis to further the vision, mission, and values of the company, and to develop strategies for growth.
- Celebrating Roger’s Birthday – one company we worked with has a wonderful story about the founding of the company. It tells of Roger, the father-in-law of the founder and his journey through senior care. Their motto is … “What would Roger want?” and they keep that theme alive by throwing a birthday party for Roger every year.
- Morning Stand Up Meetings – communication is critical in home care, and having a rhythm and flow for your meetings is meaningful. Several companies we have worked with have morning 15 minute standup meetings to plan the day and debrief the previous day. This ritual is part of the tradition of the company.
- Breakfast with the Boss – One company we worked with has an established pattern where each month, a small group of caregivers or office team member were invited to a conference room for breakfast and conversation. This is the CEOs way of keeping in touch and listening.
What are the traditions in your company?
How do these traditions create enthusiasm and excitement and keep people connected?
How are you keeping those traditions alive?
