4 Ways to Get Your Team Better Connected for Greater Success

Do you sometimes find that you are having a hard time connecting with your team? In an increasingly digitized and disconnected world- getting team members plugged in and engaged can seem like an impossible task. In fact, in a recent study 7 out of 10 Millennials said they would rather text than make a phone call- emphasizing a lack of interest in a more personal connection. In the more hands off and heads down work environment of 2019, what can you do to get your team connected and working together?

Team collaboration and engagement may not seem crucial in an increasingly digital world — but disengagement has real and resounding consequences. In fact, accordingly to a State of the American Workplace Gallop report, only three out of 10 employees are fully engaged; five are “present” but not fully engaged, and two are actively disengaged. Disengagement can lead to lower profitability, lower productivity, higher turnover and more frequent absenteeism. In an environment where team members rely on each other for a successful outcome, this can have disastrous consequences.

Despite the dismal statistics, teams are not doomed to a lifecycle of disconnection and disengagement. In fact, Project Managers have the unique opportunity to turn this issue into a leadership opportunity, and to strengthen their management skills while helping their teammates grow. PDUs2Go recommends implementing these activities into your group’s calendar, to help foster more personal relationships and more team buy-in.

1. Technology-free meetings: Implementing a no cell-phone and no computer rule into weekly meetings can be an easy and effective way to facilitate group conversations and more thoughtful communication. Taking away the constant distraction of a buzzing phone or email ding allows individuals to be fully focused and listen to the input of their teammates. This is one of the easiest and hassle-free ways to get your team talking!
2. Team lunch: Never underestimate the power of free food! Whether its getting together at a nice restaurant to celebrate a victory or doing a pizza delivery lunch- gathering around a meal tends to have the power to get a group more relaxed. These meals are great opportunities to move from ‘all business’ to a more intimate setting, where your team can have the opportunity to catch up or get to know one another better.
3. Get involved: One of the most important roles you can play in getting your teammates connected in showing personal interest in your team members. Make time for one-on-one conversations with your team and find out more about them and their goals. If possible, show you respect their personal lives by giving them the time they need to catch their daughter’s recital or bring balloons for their birthday. A little effort can go a long way if people think you genuinely care about them.
4. Make time for fun: Do you have a company-wide softball league? Have you considered doing happy hour after work every other Friday? If it is appropriate for your organization, find a way to facilitate some group fun for your team. Employees who know (and like!) their teammates more are more committed to group work and have more buy-in to the success of others.

If you are having a hard time getting your teammates or employees engaged or connected at work, think about implementing some of these strategies that focus on bringing your employees together. Group activities don’t have to cost you or your organization money. It could be as simple as having coffee together outside on a nice afternoon, or taking time to specifically ask about the things that matter to your group (like their family or hobbies). Finding a way to increase group cohesion and a sense of teamwork can help you increase productivity and happiness within your team, making your job as a project manager both more successful and satisfying.