Building Connection with Your Team
Connection is the key to any form of leadership.
A leader without connection is like a ship without a rudder – directionless and ineffective. As a leader, your primary task is to build strong, meaningful connections with your team members.
But what does that look like in practice? How can you create a sense of connection that drives engagement, loyalty, and productivity?
Let’s explore three fundamental aspects of building connections: time, vulnerability, and asking questions.
Time - The Foundation of Connection
The saying “time is money” often implies that time should be guarded closely and spent sparingly.
But when it comes to building connection, time is an invaluable investment. It’s not about dedicating hours every day to one-on-one conversations. Instead, it’s about the quality of the moments you spend with your team.
Connection doesn’t require a lot of time, but it does require intentionality.
Small, infrequent interactions can have a big impact. A quick check-in before a meeting, a genuine “How are you today?” or a few moments of casual conversation in the hallway can lay the groundwork for a strong connection.
These interactions don’t need to be long or deep, but they do need to be consistent. Over time, these small moments build trust and rapport, showing your team members that you care about them as individuals, not just as employees.
Practical Tip: Set aside a few minutes each day to have informal conversations with different team members. Rotate through your team so everyone feels included. These short interactions can provide insights into how they are feeling and what they need from you as a leader.
Building Trust Through Authenticity
Vulnerability is often misunderstood as being a sign of weakness, but in reality, it’s a powerful leadership tool.
Being vulnerable doesn’t mean oversharing or appearing indecisive. It means being authentic and honest. It shows that you’re human, just like everyone else on your team.
When leaders are willing to share their own challenges, uncertainties, or mistakes, they create an environment where others feel safe to do the same. This mutual vulnerability builds trust and deepens connection. A leader who says, “I’m struggling with this decision, too,” or, “I’ve made mistakes in the past, and I learned from them,” is a leader who creates a supportive and open culture.
Vulnerability can be shown in small ways, such as admitting when you don’t have all the answers or sharing a personal story related to the team’s current challenges. This kind of openness encourages your team members to be more honest and forthcoming, leading to more effective collaboration and problem-solving.
Practical Tip: Next time you’re in a meeting, try sharing a challenge you’ve faced or a mistake you’ve made. This doesn’t have to be deeply personal – choose something relevant to the topic at hand. Watch how your team responds to your honesty.
The Gateway to Understanding is Asking Questions
Leadership often involves giving directions and making decisions, but don’t forget the power of asking questions.
When leaders ask questions, they show that they value their team members’ opinions and insights. This simple act can make your team members feel seen and heard, which is essential for building connection.
Asking questions shifts the focus from telling to listening. It opens up dialogue, encourages participation, and makes it clear that every voice matters. Questions can be as simple as “What do you think?” or “How can we improve this process?” The key is to ask and then listen without interrupting or immediately offer your own opinions.
When you ask questions, you also learn more about your team members—their strengths, concerns, and ideas. This knowledge helps you lead more effectively because you can tailor your approach to meet the needs of each individual and the team as a whole.
Practical Tip: Make it a habit to ask open-ended questions during meetings and one-to-one conversations. Questions like “What’s working well for you right now?” or “What challenges are you facing?” can provide valuable insights and foster a culture of openness.
Next Steps
Building connection isn’t a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process that requires time, effort, and a genuine desire to understand and support your people. Investing time in your team, showing vulnerability, and asking meaningful questions creates a workplace where individuals feel valued, understood, and connected.
Remember, connection enhances your team’s performance and builds loyalty and trust. When people feel connected to their leader and colleagues, they’re more engaged, committed, and likely to go the extra mile.
If you want to connect better with your team, let’s schedule a call to chat about training and team coaching! Book your session now.
