Image credit: Patty Zavala on Unsplash
In all our work, what we really want is a team that communicates effectively and is at ease as it makes its way through the ebb and flow of working life.
How often does that actually happen?
Something we've noticed more of since the pandemic is people communicating solely online, through email, through their line managers, or sometimes even through HR. There are many benefits to hybrid and remote working. But there is a lot to be said for spending time in the same space as your colleagues.
Not a blunt 'back to the office'
To be clear, we're not supporting a blunt 'back to the office' injunction with no rationale, purpose or context. What we do believe is that people often work better together when they have the chance to see how each other operate. That might be observing how a colleague responds to a challenging situation, or overhearing a remark about a project you're also working on. Or it might be supporting someone who's just been on the end of a difficult call.
What do you pick up along the way?
I'm reminded of the best bits of working in a couple of smart restaurants in Brighton's Norfolk Square in the 90s. When the customers had gone, the chef would cook a meal for the kitchen and waiting staff, and we'd all sit down to family dinner. It was about so much more than the food. It was a chance to debrief, laugh and celebrate. Over those dinners, and thanks to the chef and the more experienced waiters, I learned as much about service and how to deal with customers as I did during the shifts themselves.
When things get a bit crunchy
So if things are getting a bit crunchy with your team, it's worth asking yourself a few questions:
When did your team last have the chance to simply be in the same room?
Where do people currently learn from each other, and what would they miss if that stopped?
Who is supporting a colleague after a tough call, and who notices when no one is? Do you even know if the colleague has had a tough call?
And what could you do to build a sense of community and shared endeavour?
It doesn't have to be formal. In fact, a casual approach usually works better than a 'we're going to sit down and bond' directive. Just the regular opportunity to chat over a sandwich can go a long way towards recapturing a sense of energy and connection.
Worth making the time
The benefit of exploring these questions is that you'll start to see where your team is already working well together, and where it might need a bit more support.
Try it out and let us know how this works for you.
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Email: sarah@fairisleprojects.co.uk
