Cultivating Connections, Care, and a Thriving Virtual Workspace | Michael Stevens and Mary Grecz - E3

Amazing Teams Podcast

When it comes to your team, you've probably been told to just look for competency and hope for the best, but that approach often leaves you feeling like something is missing. It's time to stop aimlessly searching and start building a team you can rely on. Get ready to discover a game-changing interview technique that will transform your hiring process and help you find the perfect fit every time.
Michael Stevens and Mary Gretz are partners at the law firm Derrevere Stevens Black & Cozad. They share insights on finding the right people for their team. Michael emphasizes the importance of competency and being a good human being, while Mary focuses on the evolving interview process, emphasizing culture and the value of asking the right questions.

The conversation delves into the challenges of virtual work, maintaining trust, and building strong connections within the team. Michael and Mary talk about the firm's unique approach to hiring, including a group chat interview on the candidates' cell phones to assess their communication skills. The episode highlights the significance of personal connections and the balance between professionalism and personal engagement in a work environment.
Reflecting on what makes an amazing team, Michael values the rhythm, trust, and support within the firm. Mary emphasizes a symbiotic relationship, where the company cares about its people, and individuals genuinely care about the company and their team members. The discussion concludes with insights into how Michael and Mary demonstrate care, transparency, and accountability in their roles as leaders.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to foster trust and collaboration in a remote work environment, leading to stronger team dynamics and higher productivity.

• Discover the importance of effective communication during the hiring process, leading to better employee fit and improved team cohesion.

• Explore strategies for cultivating a supportive and inclusive work environment, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and retention.

• Explore the benefits of integrating personal life with work, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling professional life.

• Uncover creative and effective methods for interviewing candidates, leading to better hiring decisions and a more diverse team.

Key Timestamps:

(00:02:51) - Finding the Right People

(00:08:25) - Building Trust and Connections

(00:13:53) - Establishing Credibility and Trust

(00:15:42) - Building a Great Team

(00:16:44) - Symbiotic Relationship

(00:18:58) - Leading by Example

(00:23:04) - Personal Connection in the Workplace

(00:25:28) - Innovative Hiring Process

(00:30:27) - Importance of Engagement in Interviews

(00:31:41) - The Evolution of Text Messaging

(00:34:25) - Communication Skills in the Digital Age

(00:35:07) - The Rise of AI in Interviews

(00:37:52) - Sharing the Tacos

Key Topics Discussed:

Amazing Teams, Hey Taco, HeyTaco, Doug Dosberg, Una Japundza, peer recognition, interview practices, hiring, human resources, artificial intelligence

Mentions:

Website: https://derreverelaw.com/

Build Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:

https://heytaco.com/

Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.

About the Amazing Teams Podcast:

We started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!

Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactic