In today’s hybrid environment building connections is not just something that “would be good for the team”, it’s a necessity. Every leader has their own opinion and perspective on what works best in building a successful team.  And, here's one of mine.

How often do you meet? I’ve worked at companies where teams never met. I’ve also worked at companies that wouldn’t allow hours to pass by without having another lengthy meeting that could have very well been an email. My advice, find a happy medium. Ensure meetings have purpose and with a defined start and stop time. Doing this helps earn the respect of your peers and direct reports. You’re showing them you understand their time is valuable and respect their intelligence enough not to belabor topics you’ve already discussed. Through trial and error I’ve found that bi-weekly meetings work best for my employees. Find what works best for you and use this time to find a way to connect.

You’ve planned your meeting and established an agenda, now what? Use your time wisely staying on task but allowing time for a little fun. When possible, I try to start each meeting with a quick activity or game. I avoid using the word “icebreaker” because, for those more introverted employees, it immediately creates discomfort and they begin to withdraw. One simple question is all it takes to get the team talking. My top 10 are below, feel free to use the one’s that call out to you.

1. If you could have one super power, what would it be?
2. What’s your all-time favorite movie?
3. If you could fly anywhere in the world, where would you go?
4. If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why?
5. Would you rather be invisible or have the ability to fly?
6. If you were a superhero what would your name be?
7. What’s the last book you read?
8. Where would you time-travel if it were possible?
9. What’s your favorite tv series?
10. If you had to pick a cartoon that best represents your personality, who would it be?

Team collaboration isn’t a difficult task, but it is a task that you have to make time for. How many of you can say you’ve taken time once a day to do something for yourself? Not many. Don’t let that be the same for your team, take time and commit to connecting.