Traditionally, managers have been able to build relationships with their direct reports in person. But those days are gone. Fifty-eight percent of 25,000 Americansby McKinsey said they have the option to work from home at least one day a week, and 35% are permitted to do so full-time. What’s more, when people are allowed to work flexibly, 87% of them do.
Through trial and error, I developed a video meeting system that’s helped me sustain meaningful relationships with my team members. I’ve received positive feedback from participants about the value these spaces provide.At least once a quarter, add a new meeting to your calendar — or potentially two or three, depending on the size of your team. On the invite, break down your team into groups of eight to 10 people, or fewer.
The key is to choose a theme broad enough that everyone can relate to it, such as music, travel, or food.Ask each employee to share anything they wish about what they brought. Go first. As the leader, you set the tone. You can open with something meaningful, funny, or insightful depending on the mood you want to convey. Typically, I try to keep it upbeat at the start, while also sharing something personal that my employees haven’t yet learned about me.
By giving people this safe space to share with no judgment, you help your employees bring forward more of themselves. This will strengthen your bond and make them feel safer sharing more serious concerns with you in the future.After each participant has had a turn, explain that this is an opportunity for them to ask you questions or to bring up any topics they wish. They might ask about your previous jobs or how you plan to handle a challenge the team is facing.
Good relationships at work aren’t just good for people, they’re necessary for business. Deep relationships help employees thrive — and are part of the “value that employees expect their employers to provide”
A simple way to waste time at work: Set up a meeting to get to know your team on a personal level. Choose a broad theme like 'pets,' 'music,' or 'animals' and use the topic to get to know each other a little better.