How to reconnect with your team - Here is what they need.

Do you feel it too?

Does everyone in your team feel a little disconnected, not particularly engaged and somehow the energy is just gone?

From the conversations with my clients, it seems that a lot of teams are experiencing a low at the moment.

It is not surprising, considering the past three years and current events in the world.

If we want to understand how we can reconnect with our teams and increase the emotional energy, we have to go a little deeper and beyond the surface.

Let's take a look at what makes people feel at their best in their job.

According to Gallup, employees have two kinds of basic needs: rational and emotional.

Rational needs are a safe job with good pay and benefits.

Individuals feel like their emotional needs are met when they are in a job where they feel recognized and developed and a role that plays to their strengths. And the icing on the cake is when they feel cared about.

But this year, Gallup found that only 24% of American workers strongly agree that their organization cared for their wellbeing and emotional needs. (Jon Clifton, Blind Spots, Gallup 2022)

It is no surprise that we experience the great resignation, quiet quitting, and so many individuals on the lookout for a new job.

Whilst companies have to look at sustainable changes in their whole organization to become more invested in their employees' wellbeing, every manager can start to create a big impact in their circle of influence.

According to Gallup 70% of what determines a worker's emotional attachment to their job depends on their manager.?

After all, you, as the manager, are right there every single day.

You have the chance to truly listen, observe and coach the individuals in your team and support your team as a collaborative unit - And, most importantly, show that you care.

When was the last time you checked in with your team members and took the time to listen?

Are you still keeping up with your regular 1:1 meetings, or has it slacked off a little? Don't worry; it happens to so many managers when things get busy or feel overwhelming.

Start by scheduling 1:1 meetings with everyone, ideally weekly, at least fortnightly. They don't need to be long, 30 minutes is often enough.

Use this time together to coach your team members, and help them articulate what they need, what might be in their way and how they can tune into their strengths more.

Not sure where to start to engage in effective 1:1 meetings?

Something I learned during my years as a manager is that you don't need to overcomplicate 1:1 meetings. You don't even need to do most of the talking. Often your team members need a safe place to share what is going on, talk through solutions or articulate what they need help with.?

According to Michael Bungay Stanier in "The Coaching Habit", the most powerful way to start any 1:1 conversation is to simply ask, "What's on your mind?".?

It's a great open question that invites them to talk about what matters most at that moment, day or week.

Then it's your turn to listen.?

When you consistently take the time for 1:1 conversations, you can fill the emotional wellbeing bucket of each team member. They will feel seen and appreciated and know that they can count on you.

And that's when the emotional energy will also gain a little new spark.

I would love to hear what you think. What could be other strategies to meet the emotional needs of your team members? Comment below or send me a message.

PS: If you would like to gauge the emotional energy in your team or organisation and invest in a more engaging emotional culture, send me a message. Let's chat to discuss how I can support you with my "Emotional Culture Programs".

PPS: Have you seen my new webpage yet? I'm so excited to finally share it with you. After 3 years of supporting leaders and teams, I as a thought leader and my business have evolved. And so it was time to reflect that on a visual and service level. Check it out now www.annekoopmann.com