Many of us from the EAG team just returned from New Orleans where we contributed to the Tales of the Cocktail annual gathering in New Orleans. It was our task to take a restaurant, redesign the room, and present a theme and aesthetic that would resonate and be remembered.
Turning a Concept Into Reality
The EAG design team began working weeks in advance on potential concepts. Those concepts led to discussions of what was needed to make the concept a reality. Once the concept was landed we then began ordering the materials and props. All the stuff being ordered would be stored at a home in New Orleans.
When we arrived, so many boxes had to be transported from a home to the downtown hotel. Once everything arrived, it had to be unboxed, put in view, and then instructions were given as to how everything would work together.
Was there confusion at times? Yes.
Did the room get built? Yes.
Was it a success? Absolutely.
A Cocktail Experience to Remember
If you remember visiting a bank drive thru, there were tubes that would take your deposit from you to the teller at the window. We had those same tubes running along the wall delivering orders to bartenders. The bartender would then assemble the drink and send it back through the tube where the bartender there would finish and hand it to the person waiting.
Behind the bar, there was an AI robot named Aida making cocktails. You could order any combination you wanted from an iPad at the counter. Aida would instantly begin to make your drink. Once her part was done, a human bartender would retrieve the drink, finish the process, and engage the guest.
When the doors opened, that room came alive. The team took their stations. Drinks were served, conversations happened, and relationships strengthened. It was a success.
What Made It a Success?
What made it a success? It was the team. The success didn’t rise and fall on one person. It was all of us together. What were the secrets of the team?
The Team Operated as One
First, the team operated as one. There were no competing personalities. No one was fighting for audience or authority. We knew the plans, the timeline, and made it happen.
The Team Worked Hard
The team worked hard. This is an underrated skill in today’s job market. Hauling boxes in the New Orleans heat was no fun task but we did it. Assembling the room into the wee hours of the morning was laborious but it was fun because of the laughter and stories being told.
Also, when you’re with a team doing something big and everyone is there working long hours you know stories will come from it. You stay in the mix and do your best because you want to be in those stories. Not only do you want to be in those stories, you want to be able to tell them to others.
What better way than to have first-hand experience to tell the stories. Hard work produces amazing results.
The Team Took Pride in the Work
The team wanted to be proud of their work. We all knew thousands of people could walk in that room and see our work. When those people walked in the room, what did we want them to experience? Did we want them to be impressed and never forget what happened in there? Absolutely.
When that is driving your team they’ll go an extra mile to impress the guests and clients. The team went above and beyond because they wanted everyone to leave having a massive wow experience.
Everyone Did Everything
Finally, everyone did everything. Your title didn’t matter. Where your name was on an org chart never entered anyone’s mind. Executives carried boxes, set up screens, connected tubes, placed furniture and so much.
“It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit.”
Former US President Harry Truman said, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit.” That was the sentiment of the team. Just do a great job. Leave your ego at the door.
A Formula for a High-Functioning Team
Tales of the Cocktail was a success for EAG because of the team. If you want a high functioning team, follow the same pattern. Work as one, work hard, choose people who take pride in what they do, and be willing to do the most important and menial tasks.
Follow that formula and your team will crush any goal you give them.
Creating unparalleled experiences,
Chris Adams
