A Retreat?

Just about every year, Stampin’ Up!’s corporate team schedules a retreat to focus on the most important aspects of the business. This year was no exception--although we didn’t retreat far. We actually just headed downstairs to the Ideas Room on the main floor of our home office.

We spent three full days brainstorming, problem solving, envisioning, and discussing—and we did all that in the first 30 minutes. (smile)

Seriously, the last three days have been high-energy, productive, and intense, but I feel good about what we accomplished. We aren't done by any means--we can never do it all in three days! So we've got another few days scheduled next week  when we'll continue what we started.

 

At one point, we divided up into two teams, and each team was given the same task. One team stayed at the tables to tackle the job, while the other team headed to the other end of the room, where we (yep, it was my team) made ourselves comfortable. Both teams dealt effectively with the assignment, but I found it interesting to see the different ways we approached it.

  

We also always have things you can do with your hands. I’m a believer that keeping your hands busy with mindless work can sometimes help your mind focus. We had several containers of Playdoh, and they were opened and used frequently. I shot a couple of our creations for your entertainment!

These are the people I work with most closely, and they are so dedicated to Stampin' Up! and to our demonstrators, customers, and employees. I am honored to associate with them and am reminded how grateful I am for all that they do.

With a week in Australia, a three-day retreat, a video shoot one morning before the retreat, a teleconference with our leaders last night, and a board meeting this morning. I have to admit that both my body and mind are exhausted! I'm grateful that this afternoon is our summer barbecue at the home office--I'm looking forward to just visiting with employees, watching a volleyball tournament, and taking a little rest.

Comments

[Michelle Sturgeon]

Man, I so wish I worked direct in the company (not just a demonstrator...I can do both, right?) Not only do I LOVE Utah (more so when it's hot, not 76) but how awesome would it be to work in that atmosphere? The only job I had where I played with Play-Doh was when I owned the day care!

[Ngaire Anderson]

What a perfect atmosphere to get the brain ticking! I think those couches and bean bags were absolutely critical tools for you and Dave to brain storm in after the week in Noosa - I can just feel the exhaustion in Dave's face - love it!! Thanks for sharing and all that you and the staff do for us!
Love Ngaire

[Beth]

I've been a demonstrator for 2 years and spent thousands on SU. because I am so busy buying stuff I neglected to use a punch that I purchased in the allotted 90 day time period. When I purchased a punch stamp set to use the punch with (6 months later) I found out the punch was defective. Now I have to pay $6.95 to have it replaced. I feel this process is a poor way to treat your loyal demonstrators. :(

[shh]

I must applaud you and your team for scaling down your retreat. I assume $ is the reason it was just a stay @ the office & work kind of retreat. I'm sure everyone would have preferred going away somewhere. Hasn't that been the agenda in the past? I do want to know if you gave anything to your staff? Seems like last year you made cupcakes or something.
Enjoy your company BBQ. What great things you do for & with your employees.

[caz]

Aww I can see the lovely Pam there with her feet up too! I can see most were in a halloween mood with the playdoh.

Shelli please can you make the days speed up a little until 1st Sept? I am going mad in excitement for our UK retirement list and a sneak at our pre order items!

Cazx

[Cindy Major]

Every time I hear about a work day at your office or see pictures, it makes me yearn to work at Stampin' Up! There is no Play-Doh at our meetings, here... It must be such a thrill to be surrounded by creative people everyday. :)

Thanks for sharing those pictures!
Cindy

[Joan Hajek]

How fun! I too believe that the hands have to be busy.....so when I'm not stamping, I am knitting. Soooo wished I worked at the corporate office!

[Sharon Bridwell]

I appreciate the time the executive team puts in making the decisions that need to be made. While I'm sure a get a way retreat would have been just as effective, I love that you'll stayed close to home an utilized the beautiful Riverton facility. Thanks to the entire team for their hard work through these difficult times.

[Sue Scheets (Sushi)]

Thanks for the information about the workings of the company that help us understand how things get accomplished. Wished I lived in Utah, this is a company I would love to be involved with. Hey I am!!!!

[Terry Molineux]

Wow Shelli! Are you sure you cannot fit in another Administrative Assistant in the home office? I would surely love to work with you!
SU seems like an awesome place to work! Truly a family and I would love to be part of it, not only as a demonstrator! LOL

Your meetings looks so relaxed! Thank you for sharing it with us.

[Staci Miserlian]

I came here to post almost exactly what Sharon Bridwell already said: thank you, Corporate Team, for your hard work in guiding the direction of SU! to be better and better all of the time. Thanks for seriuosly considering what's good for your demos and the company, even when making unpopular (to some) decisions. Glad you had some fun at your retreat and you know how to get to your productive zone.