If you ask promo pros what they love most about their job, they’ll probably say it’s the people. We spend a big portion of our lives at work, and when we get along with our co-workers, it makes the whole experience better. We’re more motivated, engaged and just plain happier.
However, just putting people together and hoping they’ll hit it off isn’t enough, according to Heather Walker, a senior data analyst at Culture Amp. She says leaders need to proactively nurture the conditions that keep people curious, included and willing to share. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we discuss Walker’s ideas for creating moments of connection.
Start by sharing your own stories. According to Walker, vulnerability from those in authority cracks the ice and gives others permission to be authentic. For example, maybe you fumbled a big pitch or missed an important deadline. By sharing what you learned from experience, you show that mistakes are normal and growth is possible.
Design for small moments. Keep in mind that connection happens in the day-to-day moments like quick hallway chats or 5-minute check-ins. Even if you think you’re too busy for those moments, Walker recommends finding time for them. These casual conversations can have just as big of an impact as the planned touchpoints, like offsite meetings or teambuilding events.
Create shared rituals. Walker says a weekly team retrospective could be enough. She suggests trying “appreciation rounds,” where each person names 1 thing a colleague did that week that helped them. Or rotate “micro-presentations” about hobbies, letting people reveal facets of themselves outside work. Over time, these rituals will help you build a culture where people feel comfortable contributing and showing up as themselves.
Break up the silos. If people don’t interact with others throughout the organization, you miss out on connection. Walker encourages “cross-pollination” by having people from different groups get to know each other. Different perspectives build empathy, she says.
Measure what matters. If you only track productivity, Walker says you may not notice when cracks form in interpersonal bonds. Include questions in your engagement surveys about feeling valued and respected. Remember that what gets measured gets managed.
You spend too much time at work not to have excellent relationships with your colleagues. Start small by asking questions and sharing something honest about yourself. The ripple effect can be huge for your team and company.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Heather Walker is a senior data analyst at Culture Amp, an employee experience platform.
