As we approach the grand opening of our new Indianapolis office next week, it’s a moment to pause and reflect on the journey that has led us to this point. Relocating an office is far more than just shifting desks and chairs; it’s about evolving with the times, embracing new possibilities, and learning from every challenge.
We started this search in 2019, when we had less than 10 people in our Indy office. Fast forward to June 2024 when we finally moved into our new space – and we are just under 40 employees! Reflecting on this five-year journey made me realize there were some key leadership lessons learned along the way, that really apply to any team working together… well, the last point may be specific to moving offices 😉
1. Embrace Change as an Opportunity
Our move allowed us to reevaluate our workspace, streamline our processes, and design an environment that truly supports our team’s needs. Planning how much space a growing company requires, especially during a global pandemic and amid a generational shift in what “office work” looks like, was no easy feat. But by embracing change – not just in our planning but in the design choices we made – we’ve created a space that is flexible and able to adapt to whatever the future holds.
2. Planning is Everything
One of the most important lessons we learned is the value of meticulous planning. From selecting the right location to coordinating the logistics of the move, every detail mattered. We started planning months in advance, mapping out each step to ensure a smooth transition. This preparation not only minimized disruptions, but also allowed us to stay focused on serving our clients throughout the process.
3. Communication is Key
Keeping everyone informed was essential to the success of our move. We made it a priority to communicate regularly with our team, clients, and partners. This transparency helped manage expectations and ensured everyone was on the same page. Whether it was updates on the move timeline or changes to our contact information, clear and consistent communication was a cornerstone of our strategy. For us, this meant designating an internal Project Manager to oversee the planning and progress of the remodel/build-out. Looking back, without one person owning the project (including communication) many things would not have happened. If more than one person is responsible, no one is accountable.
A huge part of our success in this move is thanks to our amazing Executive Specialist turned Project Manager, Anna Feeney. Anna’s exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment ensured that every aspect of this project was executed flawlessly. She deserves tremendous credit for the seamless transition and the incredible outcomes we achieved.
4. Flexibility and Adaptability Go a Long Way
Despite our best efforts, not everything went according to plan. Unexpected challenges arose. While we moved in on our planned start date, we didn’t have any doors for a couple of weeks. And even worse, no coffee machine for a few days! What made the difference was our team’s flexibility and willingness to adapt. By staying focused on our end goal and being open to adjusting our approach, we were able to navigate these obstacles effectively.
5. Celebrate the Milestones
Moving offices is a major milestone for any company, and it’s important to celebrate the progress along the way. From signing the lease to completing the move, we took the time to acknowledge and celebrate each achievement. These moments of recognition boosted morale and reinforced our commitment to our vision. Specifically, we did custom t-shirts with a play on our new address and a Starbucks gift card – including details on how to find the nearest location in our new spot!
6. Create a Space That Reflects Your Culture
Our new office is more than just a workplace – it reflects who we are as a company. We intentionally designed a space that aligns with our values and culture. From open collaboration areas to quiet rooms for focused work, every aspect of the office was designed with our team in mind. This move was an opportunity to create a workspace that inspires innovation, fosters collaboration, and supports our continued growth.
7. Hire a moving company!
Just do it…you’ll thank me later. We brought very little with us to the new space. But there is always more paper, supplies, personal items, … more EVERYTHING than you expect to move. Looking back, this was an area where we made a “penny wise and pound fool” decision.
The lessons we’ve learned during this process have both shaped our new space and strengthened our team. We’re looking forward to the future and all the opportunities that lie ahead. We’re excited to share this next chapter with you! Please join us for our Grand Opening Party next week.
