Learn more about your TEAM this summer!

If you’re like me, then you’ve met someone that you really click with at work. Maybe you would even go as far as to call them your best friend. You’ve also probably experienced the complete opposite of this spectrum. Do you work with someone who you wonder what makes them tick? Or maybe you wonder why they never laugh at your jokes? The takeaway is: we’re all individuals bringing our own reality and perspectives to the workplace. As leaders and followers, how can we make the most of our work relationships? We obviously have our company in common, but what other similarities as real people do we share? Consider the following 5 ideas to learn more about your team this summer:

1. Host an off-site group event. Get to know your team on a personal level. How do you do this? Host a BBQ in your backyard. Invite people over and enjoy a fresh charcuterie plate. Host a pool party with cervesas. Get away from the office and enjoy yourself. Invite the people you spend 5 days a week with for a preview of your home life.  Allow them to see what drives you every day – your family, your hobbies, your dogs, and cats. Ask them to invite their families and significant others. Learn more about their loved ones and who contributes to their happiness outside of the workplace.
2. Volunteer together. Make a difference in your community. Give back to your community with your actions. Prioritize your work week so that you have time to volunteer as a team at your local food bank or shelter. Schedule a Saturday afternoon to walk for the cause of your choice. Again, you’re stepping outside of the office, learning more about each other, and being an example for your industry. If you’re fortunate enough to lead a successful team, what’s stopping you from giving back to a community that supports you?
3. Bring your kids to work. It’s summer summertime. Your kids are at home twiddling their thumbs waiting for school to start back, sike! Maybe some, but most are probably just fine sleeping in, spending time with friends, going to camp, and doing their own thing. But hey, why not introduce them to your company and your team.  Personally, I love being around children and seeing the resemblance of parents to kids is entertaining. They are a reflection of you, after all. Not only do your children see your work self and learn more about what you actually do all day long, but your team learns about who you’re raising at home- tapping into what drives you every day.
4. Move together. Extreme boot camp, hot yoga, CrossFit- it’s the rage right now. Regardless of what exercise you do, moving your body is good for you. As a leader, you want your team functioning at its highest level. Incorporate group physical fitness into your routine this summer. Try stretching in the office. Go to yoga together every Monday afternoon. Walk or run laps around your building after work. Schedule a softball or volleyball game for Friday afternoon. Get moving together. You’re creating another situation for your team to bond, encourage each other, and meet goals that benefit each individual.
5. Promote healthy eating. Ask your team what healthy snacks they want in the office and provide.  Encourage your team to stay hydrated throughout the day, and experience new foods together. Have you ever tasted free range beef marinated with coconut aminos, mashed sweet potatoes with garlic and shallots, and grilled asparagus? I have, and I was with my team at a weekend BBQ.

Make time to learn more about your team this summer and take note as engagement increases and drive maximizes.

Interested in learning more about best practices in culture and brand development? Follow and connect with inRETROSPECTb2b on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Check out our website: https://inretrospectb2b.com/.