You’re struggling to connect with your team. How can you build better relationships with them?

First of all this requires a true assessment about why it's hard for me to get in contact with the team. Is it about "them", creating an unsafe and ambiguous environment in which I can't open up the way I would like to do? Or is it about me? Being hesitant due to subconscious / conscious blockers that disable me from interpersonal connection? If the response is "about them," conventional team-building measures can be implemented, such as creating a secure and open space for exchange, facilitated interventions, or other team-building activities. However, if the response is "about me," a one-on-one coaching session should delve into identifying prevailing blockers, their origins, and proactive strategies to address them.

Connecting with your team begins with authenticity and vulnerability. Showcasing your genuine self fosters an environment of trust and openness. Share your experiences, challenges, and even moments of uncertainty. Vulnerability, far from a weakness, demonstrates humility and relatability, making you more approachable as a leader. Authenticity builds a foundation for meaningful connections, breaking down barriers and allowing team members to connect with you on a personal level. In embracing your authentic self, you create a culture where others feel empowered to do the same, paving the way for stronger relationships and a more cohesive, supportive team dynamic.

By truly tuning in to your team members, you gain valuable insights into their perspectives, concerns, and aspirations. Actively listening not only demonstrates respect but also creates a space for genuine understanding. Empathic listening, taking it a step further, allows you to connect emotionally with your team, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. When team members feel heard and understood, it not only makes communication better, but it also makes the work environment more collaborative and supportive. In turn, this strengthens your relationships, creating a team that thrives on mutual understanding and shared goals.

Fostering better relationships with your team requires a culture of constructive feedback—both giving and receiving. Constructive feedback serves as a powerful tool for growth and improvement. As a leader, be proactive in providing feedback that highlights strengths and suggests areas for development, all framed in a positive and encouraging manner. Simultaneously, create an environment where team members feel comfortable offering feedback upwards. Embrace feedback as a collaborative dialogue rather than a one-way street. By cultivating this feedback-rich atmosphere, you not only promote professional development but also build a foundation of trust and openness within your team, essential for nurturing strong and enduring relationships.

Managers must grasp the dynamics within their teams. Assessments like Gallup's Clifton StrengthsFinder are renowned for fostering team awareness by revealing strengths. A comprehension of the team's strengths empowers managers to discern inherent talents and how each thrives. CliftonStrengths coaches, for instance, use the Team Grid to assist managers in recognizing the diversity of strengths within the team. This tool aids in leveraging existing strengths to address team deficiencies. A precise understanding of the varied ways team members think, feel, and behave not only enhances team well-being but also facilitates managers in establishing a deeper connection with their teams.

Building better relationships with your team involves recognizing, appreciating, and celebrating diversity. Consider implementing initiatives that actively promote inclusion. Establish open channels for communication, where team members feel encouraged to share perspectives and experiences. Organize team-building activities that emphasize collaboration and mutual understanding. Provide diversity and inclusion training to foster awareness and sensitivity among team members. Regularly assess the team's dynamics and seek feedback to address any emerging issues promptly. By taking proactive steps to enhance diversity and inclusion, you cultivate an environment that thrives on the unique strengths of each member.

To connect better with your team in executive coaching, focus on three key concepts: - Powerfull Purpose: Create an extraordinary purpose aligning personal and company goals for a deeper connection and commitment. - Values and Principles: Base interactions on shared values for powerful synergy and transformative actions. - Extraordinary Challenges: Set high-level goals like OKRs to inspire exceptional results and team cohesion. By implementing these concepts, you will build stronger and more effective relationships with your team on the path to business transformation.

Foster an environment where team members actively engage in joint projects and share responsibilities. Encourage cross-functional collaboration to broaden perspectives and skill sets. Implement collaborative tools and technologies that streamline communication and project management. Recognize and reward collaborative efforts, reinforcing the value of teamwork. Facilitate regular team meetings where ideas flow freely, and everyone has a chance to contribute. By emphasizing collaboration, you not only enhance team relationships but also create a culture where collective success becomes the driving force behind your team's achievements.

Do something different. From asking someone else to chair the meeting, do the agenda backwards (that’s one of my favorites)or if you’re on site taking them on a trip whether it’s down to the coffee shop or to a different department or conference room. Changing your physical space changes the team energy. Use this as an opportunity to dig into where there’s resistance, and who is not looking at you straight in the eye. Keep mixing it up until you get traction. Adjust according.

Once I noticed a key member in the supply chain team suddenly underperforming. Usually reliable, this raised a red flag. In a one-on-one, I learned he was juggling personal issues with work demands. Realizing support was needed more than criticism, I arranged a flexible schedule for him. This not only helped him manage better but also reinforced to the team the importance of empathy and support. This small gesture of understanding made a huge difference. Not only did it help my team member get back on track, but it also sent a clear message to the whole team - we're more than just cogs in a supply chain; we're people who look out for each other. It was a real eye-opener on how empathy can truly strengthen a team.