Experts say three of the keys to team building are offering education opportunities, having an incentive program, and involving employees in giving back to the community. There are many ways to do any of these, but a remodeling company in Bonita Springs, FL, has developed a great way to bundle them all together.

One of the greatest things about our Roundtables members is their willingness to share innovative ideas about running a better business with their peer groups. Progressive Design Build’s Mike Spreckelmeier recently let us in on what his company’s doing to boost their team’s knowledge and tying it into a benefit for them and for the larger community.

Book Smart

Anyone who borrows, reads, and then writes a report about a book from Progressive’s company library is eligible for a cash reward of $100. Mike says it will give everyone a common vocabulary related to the book and the company. It also offers a concrete reward for doing so.

That’s pretty cool. But this is where it ties into the greater good. Progressive is collecting unwrapped toys at a company gathering in November, to be donated to the local Toys for Tots chapter.

Anyone who collects the $100 dollar reward for reading is also eligible to donate back 25 percent of the winnings toward a toy for the drive. So a team member can end up with $75, a toy for the drive, all while learning.

It’s a win-win-win, and just one of the ways Progressive Design Build gives back to its community.

What’s Your Big (or Small) Idea?

If you’ve found innovative ways to build a more cohesive team, have an unusual incentive program, or if there’s anything else about your business you’d like to share, let us know. You can drop an email to liz@remodelersadvantage.com, or let us know below in the comments. We’d love to hear from you and shine the spotlight on your ideas!