Interface Landscapes - Mentorship and Motivation

Former LQ President Dave Taylor from Interface Landscapes might be known to many of you having been involved with the Association as a member since 2005 and an active Board Member since 2007. Specialising in commercial landscape construction and maintenance including rehabilitation works, the team at Interface enjoy a positive culture developed and fostered by management through a variety of programs both in house and externally We caught up with Dave recently to delve a little deeper…

“Team culture is something we are focussed on and passionate about. We spend a lot of time and money on making sure that staff are feeling included and part of the ‘Big Picture’,” Dave said.

The Directors, Project Managers and Foreman all have important roles in mentoring and keeping staff motivated. We host regular staff BBQ’s, food trucks come to our head office and we have team building days with all staff. Communication within our team is something we feel is very important too so again building on inclusion, we send a monthly wrap up email to the entire team sharing information about the business, upcoming tendering, projects in the pipeline as well as work completed. This helps to keep our team of over 70 employees to feel connected with the various segments of the business,” said Dave.

“The monthly wrap up email also includes our coveted Employee of the Month, upcoming staff training days for apprentices and upskilling of Foreman and acknowledging staff birthdays for the period,” he went on to say. “A few of the initiatives we have adopted aimed at fostering team culture include regular sporting events and our annual Christmas party, invitations for which are extended to employee’s families. This helps to create enriched events where everyone feels included.”

“Several years ago, Interface started supporting various charitable organisations both within Australia and also the Philippines. All these activities collectively play a role in uplifting morale and maintaining a great company culture and helps our team to feel part of something bigger than themselves,” Dave said. “Interface Landscapes is proud to be involved with the Muravah Foundation located in Legaspi, on the slopes of Mt Mayon( a LIVE Volcano) in the Philippines Our commitment includes providing ongoing financial support and volunteering opportunities for staff and stakeholders. Our mission is to assist people living under the poverty line who are of the most vulnerable in the community. We aim to give them a chance of a self-sustaining future, lifting them out of poverty which is a concept we don’t fully appreciate in our lucky country,” Dave explained.

When asked about how he inspires leadership Dave indicated that leading by example was vitally important. This mindset is encouraged in all senior staff members which ‘sets the standard’ and reinforces the Interface brand message of being a “Point of Difference” not only in their work but also in their culture

Both Dave and his Co-Director Tom Wilds have an open-door policy and are available at all times. This message is conveyed regularly to their team. “We hold fortnightly meetings where there is an open forum to discuss not only project related issues but any other concerns that staff may have as well as annual one-on-one meetings with all staff,” Dave said.

Everyone has their own style of communication, and Dave believes “this needs to be adjusted to suit the circumstances but generally if you can become a good listener this will help with how you communicate whatever your message may be.”