5 Ways to Connect With Your Team on a Personal Level
Source | LinkedIn | John Hall | Co-founder at Calendar.com and Keynote Speaker
Not that long ago, I was watching “The Wizard of Oz” with my family. I hadn’t seen the movie in years. During this viewing, however, I picked up on a new leadership lesson: the importance of connecting with your teammatesas a real person.
Think about it: Throughout the film, the Wizard relies on mystery and fear to rule Oz. But when did he become most helpful? When he revealed who he truly was and personally engaged with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. From there, he was able to actually help them build the confidence to obtain what they’d always wanted — a brain, a heart, courage, and a homecoming.
Back in Kansas, or wherever you call home, the same idea applies. In fact, according to a survey on employee job satisfaction and engagementconducted by the Society for Human Resource Management, 74 percent of respondents stated their relationship with their supervisor was one of the top five factors influencing their engagement at work. As Gallup has found, when companies have a more engaged team, they’re more productive and more profitable.
How can you step behind the curtain and connect with your teammates on a personal level? Here are five places to start.
1. Communicate frequently.
As a leader, communicating with your team is key. After all, it gives your team members the chance to ask questions, share ideas, and solicit feedback. As a result, they feel like they’re part of the bigger picture — as long as you actively listen and act on their suggestions. (Even explaining why you’re notable to act on them can go a long way.)