The Importance of Leaders Being Connectors

How Well Do You Know Your Team?

In today’s dynamic work environment, it’s easy to get caught up in deadlines and the endless stream of emails. We often spend more time with our colleagues than with our own families, yet how much do we really know about them? This blog post explores why getting to know the people that you work with is crucial, and how nurturing these connections can transform your workplace experience and make it more enjoyable.

Why Connection Matters: A Ripple Effect

Human connection is the foundation of a thriving, engaged, and productive workplace. When employees feel connected, they’re more likely to share ideas, work together, and improve overall team performance. This creates a ripple effect that impacts the entire organization. A Gallup report from 2023 found that organizations with strong human connections are 5.4 times more likely to be agile, 3.2 times more likely to have satisfied customers, and 2.3 times more likely to have engaged employees. These findings highlight the vital role of connection—not only in fostering a positive workplace but also in driving business success.

As Brené Brown fittingly puts it, “Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” This truth is just as applicable in the workplace as it is in our personal lives. Leaders who prioritize human connection help create workplaces that are productive and meaningful, where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to do their best work.

Connection-Building Activities for Leaders

Creating connection can be a challenge—and meaningful connections don’t happen automatically. They require intentionality, effort, and a willingness to foster authentic relationships. But, as a leader, you have the unique opportunity to foster deeper connections within your team, creating an environment where people feel valued and supported.

The question is: how well do you know your team or the people that you work with?

As leaders, we can take actionable steps to develop these connections and demonstrate genuine care for our team members. When I joined FlashPoint just over a year ago, I focused on some simple, yet powerful practices to make meaningful connections with my new teammates. I challenge you to give them a try!

1. One-on-One Check-ins
   Regular one-on-one meetings with team members are essential for building trust. These check-ins should go beyond the typical performance discussions. Ask personal questions and engage with your team members on a human level. Learn about their interests, goals, and challenges both at work and in their personal lives. You’ll be amazed at how people will open up!
2. Team-building Exercises
   Team-building activities help break down barriers and encourage open communication. Encourage personal sharing by creating opportunities for employees to connect with each other. Activities such as icebreakers or casual team lunches can help strengthen bonds and promote collaboration, both in-person and virtually.
3. Recognize and Celebrate Achievements
   Celebrate both big and small wins within your team. Recognizing individual accomplishments fosters a positive work culture and makes team members feel valued. Acknowledging their contributions not only boosts morale but also strengthens their connection to the organization.
4. Show Genuine Interest in Your Team Members’ Lives
   Take the time to ask how your team members are doing outside of your typical meeting environment—not just at work, but in life. Ask them about their hobbies, interests, and passions. Showing a genuine interest in them as people, not just employees, helps build trust and creates a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

Tools to Create a Culture of Connection

Creating a connected workplace requires intentional leadership. It starts with leaders fostering a culture of openness, empathy, and support. Ask yourself: Am I modeling the kind of openness, trust, and compassion I want to see in my team?

Employees who feel connected are less likely to experience feelings of isolation or anxiety and are more likely to navigate challenges with resilience. As a leader, fostering these connections becomes a fundamental source of strength for your team. Consider incorporating tools like this getting to know you document or workstyles sheet that we have created. These have been instrumental in my coaching practices, and they help team members learn more about each other’s personalities, work preferences, and motivations. When people understand how their colleagues work best, collaboration becomes smoother and more effective.

Take the Time to Connect

Connection is not about becoming best friends with everyone we work with, but rather about building genuine connections. By making small, consistent efforts to understand your team and foster a culture of trust and empathy, you’ll create a work environment where people feel seen, valued, and supported. And in turn, this connection will lead to increased performance and success. It’s also fun to do!

So, ask yourself: how well do you really know your team? The answer could hold the key to unlocking your team’s full potential. I encourage you to take the time to connect with your colleagues—you’ll be glad you did!

Unlock the power of curiosity and transform your team's communication with Everything DiSC®! Join us for our upcoming webinar Spark Curiosity at Work with Everything DiSC® on Friday, April 4th at 1:00 EST to discover how DiSC can support your team’s success.