Initiating open discussions about team connection is essential for reflection and strengthening teamwork. It highlights successes, challenges, and differing experiences, giving everyone a voice in creating a supportive team environment. These conversations foster better teamwork by asking key questions and developing actionable plans.
Planning the discussion and setting the tone
Begin by preparing for a structured conversation about the team’s Connection insights:
- Choose a time that works for everyone and create a focused, distraction-free space where everyone feels comfortable sharing.
- Emphasise that there will be an open discussion about the team's collective experience of connection and that all responses were combined to generate the team insights.
- Team members should be encouraged to explore their personal insights, which are only visible to them, before the session to allow for richer discussions.
- Providing clarity may reduce any tension about participating.
When starting, set the tone by reminding them why you asked the team to complete the Connection measure and join the discussion. Reinforce that:
- The aim is to discuss and enhance team collaboration, not to assess and judge individuals.
- You intend to create a safe, inclusive environment for open discussion.
- Individual Connection measure responses are private unless shared before or during the discussion by the person themselves. The Team Connection insights reflect the team’s collective experience and will be the primary focus.
Delving into the insights
- Start the conversation with open-ended questions
- What does feeling “connected at work” mean to you?
- What stood out most to you from this experience?
- Share one thing that generally helps you feel connected at work?
- Can anyone share a time when they felt particularly connected to the team?
- What connection dimension would you say is most important to focus on right now?
Avoid yes-or-no questions; instead, encourage sharing stories and reflections. Appreciate all contributions and promote non-judgmental listening.
2. Discuss the Team Connection insights.
- Start by discussing ‘Overall Team Connection’ insights with the team. Then, focus on one or two dimensions with the highest scores, as they may indicate current team strengths. Thereafter, discuss the dimension with the lowest scores or the widest ranges.
- Focus the discussion on these areas using the platform’s guidance. For example: “This dimension showed the widest range of experiences. Let’s talk about what is working well and where there may be gaps in how we support each other.”
- The lowest range dimension shows the most significant opportunity for improvement. Wide-ranging dimensions may indicate differing team experiences and highlight inconsistencies. While some feel supported, others may not. This can lead to valuable discussions without singling anyone out.
- The team needs to know that a wide range, or considerable variation of responses, does not mean something went wrong; it simply means team members have different experiences, and it is valuable to explore why.
- Keep in mind that low scores indicate disconnection, rather than suggesting that someone is to blame. Even only low scores can show that team members are willing to respond honestly and be vulnerable, which is a positive first step toward improving connection and effectiveness
3. Use the Connection conversation starters
Be specific. Each dimension offers conversation starters to help the team discuss their connection. Use these to explore strengths and gaps in teamwork, fostering an open and inclusive environment where all voices are heard.
4. Develop action plans together
Agree on 1-3 actions the team can commit to. These can emerge from the discussion or be drawn from the recommended actions in the platform. Ensure they are specific, realistic, and team-owned.
Close and look ahead
Building connection is not just about one conversation; it is about forming habits with people. Encourage the team to:
- Check in on agreed actions, hold each other accountable, and make adjustments as needed.
- Keep conversations ongoing by revisiting connection dimensions regularly, such as during one-on-ones or team meetings.
- Periodically retake the Connection measure to track progress and guide future discussions.
- Remind the team to also regularly review and check in on their personal Connection habits.