Start EVERY Meeting Like This!
Sep 03, 2024How to Transform Your Workplace Culture with Connection: The First 10 Minutes That Make a Difference
We all crave connection. It’s in our nature to desire meaningful relationships and to feel like our work has purpose. Whether we realize it or not, we want to be connected to something bigger than ourselves, to a cause that matters. But as a leader, you might look around your workplace and think, "We’re not really giving off those connected vibes." If that’s the case, don’t worry—there’s hope. The fact that your people show up at work is proof that there’s already some level of connection, and you can build on that.
In this blog post, I’ll share how you can use the first 10 minutes of your meetings to spark and create meaningful connections that will not only improve your meetings but also have a massive impact on your workplace culture. And it all starts with a BANG!
Start with a BANG: A Simple Framework for Building Connection
The BANG acronym is your guide to transforming those first 10 minutes of your meetings into a powerful tool for connection. Here’s how it works:
B is for Bravos
Start your meeting by celebrating the wins—both big and small. This could be a collective team success or an individual achievement. It doesn’t even have to be a major win; you can also acknowledge efforts and progress. This moment of recognition makes your people feel seen, valued, and appreciated. Everyone wants to be appreciated, even if they don’t openly admit it.
Did you know that employees who receive regular recognition are five times more likely to feel valued at work? They’re also six times more likely to be engaged and seven times more likely to stay with their employer for at least another year. So take the time to think about the wins from the past week and celebrate them. It might be something as simple as a team member going the extra mile to meet a deadline or someone who stepped up to help a colleague. Whatever it is, acknowledging these efforts sets a positive tone for the rest of your meeting.
A is for Alignments
After celebrating the wins, it’s time to connect your team’s efforts to the bigger picture—your company’s mission, vision, and values. This is how you keep these guiding principles alive and relevant. Rather than letting them become dusty statements hanging on a wall, show your team how their work is already aligning with the company’s goals.
For example, you might say, "When you did this, it perfectly demonstrated our company values." Or you could share a positive customer email that highlights the impact of your team’s work. By doing this, you help your team see the direct link between their daily tasks and the broader mission of the organization. This alignment not only reinforces their connection to their contribution but also motivates them by reminding them that their work matters to a greater cause.
N is for Numbers
Now it’s time to look at the data. This could be a quick overview of financials, sales figures, or any other metrics that track your success. The goal here isn’t to troubleshoot problems but to provide a snapshot of where you stand. Whether the numbers are up or down, this is an opportunity to discuss what went well and acknowledge any challenges.
By sharing these numbers, you give your team a clear picture of how their work contributes to the company’s progress. It connects them to the cause by showing how their efforts impact the bottom line and helps keep the organization moving forward. This transparency also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility within the team.
G is for Glue
Finally, the glue that holds it all together—personal connection. This is a moment for your team to share updates about their lives, whether it’s a personal win like a child getting into college, a health update, or a recent certification they’ve earned. It’s not about oversharing or creating a “kumbaya” moment, but about giving your team an opportunity to connect on a human level.
As a leader, it’s important to model this behavior. Start by sharing something about yourself and then invite your team to do the same. It might feel awkward at first, especially if this is new for your team, but over time it will become a natural and valued part of your meetings. This personal connection helps build trust and empathy, which are crucial for a supportive and collaborative workplace culture.
The Power of Connection in the Workplace
Using the first 10 minutes of your meetings to connect with your team on these three levels—contribution, cause, and community—can have a profound impact on your workplace culture. When your team feels connected, they’re more motivated, collaborative, and committed to achieving the company’s mission. And as a result, you’ll see better outcomes, whether it’s higher productivity, improved employee retention, or happier customers.
Bonus Tip: Track Your Connections
To ensure that you’re consistently building these connections and to replicate your success in the future, it’s important to track your progress. I’ve created a free guide that walks you through how to collect and use this information to create tangible data points for your team. You can download it by visiting www.heykaralist.com/kickoff
Conclusion
Meetings don’t have to be a dreaded part of the workday. By starting them with intention and focusing on connection, you can transform them into powerful tools for building a thriving workplace culture. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference. Share this approach with a fellow leader who could benefit from it, and together, let’s create workplaces where people feel connected, valued, and motivated.
Keep building connection, and your workplace culture will thrive. You’re doing it!
