According to the BusinessDictionary.com, management is defined as the organization and coordination of the activities of a business in order to achieve defined objectives. Although this definition is accurate and to the point, the true essence of management is so much more extensive and intimate. Management is truly the art of developing personal relationships and improving overall efficiency by recognizing and cultivating the strengths and skills of your employees.

Building amazing relationships with your employees and vice-versa is so fundamental to the overall health and longevity of an organization. There must be mutual respect, open communication and trust among employees and their supervisors. These three components are what makes companies not just good, but great. Entrepreneur.com, found that “hundreds of studies of Millennials and shift populations show your employees, partners and customers want to have relationships with you, one another, your business and your brand. Lessons from the longest study on happiness — the Harvard Study of Adult Development — which tracked annually the lives of 724 men of varying economic statuses show that “Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”

Improving overall efficiency by recognizing and cultivating the strengths and skills of your employees is of equal importance to building strong relationships. The best managers understand that they are not the most knowledgeable person in the room on every subject matter, and draw upon the experience and expertise of their direct reports to support individual development and boost company performance. Entrepreneur.com stated that “great managers value individuality, allowing that individuality to prosper, multiply and add value to others. They’re about giving not getting and creating that mutual success. They’re about sharing and taking business to the next level so you can grow.”

Planet Beach & HOTWORX has excelled in the two areas mentioned above. The environment and culture of the organization has always been defined by a work hard and play hard mantra that has led to the development of the most valued relationships. I always refer to my colleagues and supervisors as work family because after 16 years of employment, that’s how it feels. In addition, I always feel like my strengths as a team member are valued and recognized and that I have the autonomy to get the job done while working alongside my work family to achieve a common goal.

Written By: Jodie Mateu, VP of Special Events & Productivity