Does this sound familiar? You're swamped at work, juggling countless deadlines and responsibilities. It feels almost irresponsible to take a break and connect with your team personally. When was the last time you truly understood their personal lives and what's going on beyond the office?
A client recently shared a similar experience. During a visit, she spent time chatting with her team, delving into their upbringing, beliefs, and life philosophies. Initially, she felt a pang of guilt. With so much to accomplish, she questioned whether this was the best use of her time. However, the impact was profound. The team felt energized and connected, not because of any motivational speeches or a focus on goals and accountability, but because she genuinely cared about them as individuals.
Despite the pressing business challenges, she realized that prioritizing relationships was essential. By investing time in her team, she not only boosted morale but also fostered a stronger, more motivated team.
What do your team members truly desire?
To feel valued: Recognize their contributions and show appreciation.
To feel cared for: Demonstrate genuine interest in their well-being.
To feel connected: Build authentic relationships and foster a sense of belonging.
To be more than just employees: See them as individuals with unique perspectives and experiences.
There’s an unexpected productivity boost that comes from the power of personal connection. Strong relationships can drive exceptional results. Take a moment to reflect: When was the last time you shared a personal story with your team? By prioritizing these connections, you can inspire and motivate them to achieve great things.
Great conversations start with great questions and sharing openly. Here are some conversation starters and questions you could ask:
I feel badly that I haven’t taken time to get to know you more personally (or spent time connecting personally lately). Could we take some time to do that today?
How are things going for you personally? What’s going on with your family?
How are you really doing?
What do you really care about?
Could I share some of the things that have been going on for me?
What are you interested in these days, outside of work?
What are some things that you’re doing to renew and take care of yourself?
What’s a personal goal you’re working towards right now?
What’s something you’re really proud of?
What are you looking forward to?
What was life like growing up for you? What was the best part? Toughest part?
Let us know if we can help you think about how you are showing up as a leader, and strategies for success. It’s not just what we get done but the way we get things done that makes all the difference.