By
Sarah Prouse

How We Keep Our Team Thriving (and High-Fiving!)

A great team isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about creating an environment where we feel excited to show up, and bring our best ideas to the table. When we trust each other, celebrate our wins, and share a sense of purpose, work becomes more than just a job—it becomes something we’re truly proud to be part of.

So, how do we create that kind of environment? And how do we keep morale high, even when challenges come our way? Here’s what we do to make the Fusion team strong, connected, and motivated.

The environment we cultivate—a blend of passion, trust and a sprinkle of magic!

Open and positive communication: We try to nurture an environment where ideas flow freely, feedback is shared with kindness, and we all feel heard. Whether it’s brainstorming the “big ideas” or just checking in on each other, keeping the conversation open makes everything run smoother.

Respect and inclusion: The best ideas come from diverse perspectives. We make sure everyone has a seat at the table, and we encourage different viewpoints because they push us to be even better. We often say the more brains and eyeballs, the better!

Trust and ownership: We’re all here because we’re good at what we do—so we trust each other to take the lead on projects, make decisions, and create amazing work. Micromanaging? Nope. We thrive when we have the space to be creative and independent (and know when the time is right for collaboration!)

Celebrating wins (big and small!): Got a big achievement? We celebrate it. Nailed a small, everyday task? That deserves a shoutout too! Recognizing each other’s contributions keeps us all feeling valued and motivated.

Like peanut butter and jam—we’re better together!

Leading with positivity: Leadership isn’t just about direction—it’s about setting the tone. When we bring enthusiasm, collaboration, and a problem-solving mindset to the table, it lifts everyone up. I try to be a cheerleader for the team, making sure everyone has what they need for success. Sometimes that means setting up a quick check-in meeting to balance workload, sometimes that’s stepping out to grab a coffee and chat. I aspire to bring sunshine and rainbows to the day! We get to design for a living, and that’s pretty cool.

Being there for each other: Whether it’s helping out on a project, firing up a zoom call when someone needs to talk, or just cheering each other on with silly GIFs on Slack, we make sure no one feels like they’re working alone. Pro tip: freshly baked chocolate chip cookies work wonders.

Clarity and alignment: We all want to know exactly what we’re working toward. Keeping our goals clear and making sure we’re all on the same page helps us stay focused and excited about what’s ahead. Weekly status meetings help us stay on top of the work and sort out any questions.

How we keep on keepin’ on

Staying upbeat: We know that every challenge is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and come out stronger. A positive, can-do attitude helps us keep moving forward together.

Creating moments for connection: We make time for team lunches, coffee chats, and random Zooms/FaceTimes. Building real relationships makes work more enjoyable and strengthens how we collaborate.

Keeping the “big picture” in mind: Sometimes we just need to take a moment, zoom out and find some perspective. It’s exciting to know that the work we do makes an impact. When we remind ourselves why what we’re doing matters, it fuels our motivation.

Prioritizing well-being: We do our best work when we feel our best. That’s why we encourage breaks, flexibility, and a culture where it’s okay to step back, recharge, and come back even stronger. We always encourage each other to do some “outsiding!”—get that sunshine on a walk, or just sitting outside in the nice weather.

At the end of the day, a strong team isn’t just about working well together—it’s about creating an environment where we can all do our best. When we thrive as individuals, we bring our best to the team—and that’s when the real magic happens.

Building real relationships makes work more enjoyable and strengthens how we collaborate.”

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