Summer Retreat "Achieving Success Through Teamwork" Provides Inspiration

As Umbaugh continues to grow, and as the needs of our clients continue to grow and change, it is more important than ever to take time for the firm to meet, regroup, and plan for the future. Umbaugh employees came together this summer for a two-day retreat at Swan Lake in Plymouth, Indiana. For new employees it provided an opportunity to become familiar with the entire organization and meet people from other Umbaugh offices. Partners and managers met the first day of the retreat to discuss the firm vision, business development, staff development, and engagement management.

The retreat also featured presentations on firm management, client service and strategic planning. A quote from the firm's founder, Hershell J. Umbaugh, set the tone for the business development topics: "Take care of your clients and they will take care of you." Client service discussions were built upon "not only meeting, but exceeding client expectations." Dedication to client service is the foundation of Umbaugh.

Much time was spent focusing on how a successful team operates and is successful. The key elements of teamwork as discussed in various breakout sessions are: Trust, Conflict, Commitment, Accountability, and Results. All of these elements are important to achieve positive results.

In addition to workshops, discussions, and fellowship over meals, one of the highlights of the retreat was a keynote presentation by Valparaiso University basketball coach Homer Drew. As you might expect, Homer is a big proponent of teamwork. But he also spoke to knowing what's really important in life. To illustrate his point, he asked the group to name the three wealthiest people in the world, the last three Heisman Trophy winners, the last three Miss Americas and the last three Academy Award winners. Not easy, is it?

He then asked everyone to list three teachers who aided their journey through school, three friends who helped them through a difficult time in life, three people who taught them something worthwhile and three people they enjoyed spending time with. Those answers came much easier.

At a time when there are many challenges facing all of us, it is difficult to set aside time to focus on strategic planning, goals and teamwork. We felt it was important to gather together to discuss and focus on what we need to do to better serve our clients. To this point, Homer shared a story about two men in a contest to see who could chop the most wood. The first put his head down and worked tirelessly. The second worked equally hard, but took breaks along the way. In the end, the second man won the contest. In his dismay, the first asked, "How could you win when you took so many breaks and rested?" The second man, without hesitation, responded, "Resting? No, I was sharpening my ax!"

The retreat helped us to focus and better prepare ourselves to assist you with challenges that may lie ahead.