Episode 1236 – The Real Reason Your Team Struggles—And It’s Not Training
Why Team Culture Matters
In this episode, Mike Campion dives into the challenges of maintaining a strong team culture in a cleaning business. He emphasizes that culture isn’t just about having meetings or parties—it’s about connection, values, and making sure everyone feels engaged. One business owner shared concerns that her team wasn’t really participating in monthly gatherings or weekly meetings. Mike’s advice? Don’t just go through the motions—make sure these events truly bring value and build relationships.
Making Team Gatherings Count
Mike suggests that monthly parties, weekly meetings, and quarterly reviews should all have a real purpose. A quick lunch or coffee might not be enough to create a deeper bond. Instead, he recommends making gatherings more meaningful—maybe inviting families or choosing an activity that gets people talking. The key is consistency and making sure people actually enjoy these interactions rather than seeing them as just another task.
Getting Shy Team Members to Speak Up
Not every team member is naturally outgoing, and that’s okay! Some employees are more reserved, which can make meetings feel awkward. Mike suggests directly calling on each person, asking simple but engaging questions like, “What’s your biggest win this week?” or “What’s one core value you saw a teammate demonstrate?” If there’s silence, wait it out. People will eventually start talking, and over time, they’ll get more comfortable sharing.
The Real Problem Behind Poor Performance
One owner was frustrated that training videos weren’t fixing inconsistent cleaning results. Mike made it clear: the issue wasn’t a lack of training—it was a lack of care. Most cleaning tasks are simple, and employees already know how to do them. The real problem? Some workers just aren’t committed to doing a great job. Instead of more training, Mike suggests holding people accountable and having honest conversations about expectations.
Holding the Team to Higher Standards
At the end of the day, if a cleaner isn’t meeting expectations, the conversation needs to be direct but fair. Mike recommends asking questions that make employees reflect on their performance, like, “Would you be happy coming home to this?” If someone consistently makes excuses or shows they aren’t willing to meet the company’s standards, it might be time to let them go. A strong culture means hiring people who take pride in their work and truly care about the client’s experience.
Want to build a stronger, more committed team? Focus on real engagement, clear expectations, and holding people accountable to the values that matter.