Creatively casual ways to connect with your team this summer
In early June, my wife, Heather, a professional chef and the best baker you’ll ever meet, hosted a cooking class at our home. The hands-on session was a team-building exercise for a half-dozen staffers of a local business.
As I popped upstairs to grab a coffee, I could tell everyone was having a great time. After a long winter here in Atlantic Canada, the sunshine and lilacs were a welcome boost, but it was more than the perfect spring weather that was making them so happy: they were also genuinely enjoying the chance to be together in person.
Like many workplaces, this team began working from home during the pandemic and continued working virtually when the high risk of COVID-19 passed. While the benefits of virtual or hybrid work arrangements are well-known, there’s nothing quite like being together in living color.
So, a couple of times a year, they make a point to get together physically for a fun, team-building exercise, like Heather’s cooking class, followed by a strategy session.
As the group laughed and tasted each other’s culinary creations on our back deck, I was reminded of the importance of these kinds of gatherings. It’s so essential for team cohesion, morale, and strong relationships (which I’ve written about lately through the lens of empathy, a vital leadership trait).
While vacations and holidays make an all-staff session challenging, if not impossible, this time of year, you can still take advantage of the warm weather, longer days, and summer’s more casual vibe to find creative ways to connect at a deeper level with your teammates one-on-one or in smaller groups.
Speaking of team fun, I’m reminded of a time when I was consulting with the parent company of Chili's restaurants. A staffer cryptically warned me in advance of a Friday meeting at their corporate offices outside Dallas: “Look, our motto is ‘Work hard, play hard.’ So don't be surprised when you come in.”
When I arrived for my meeting, I literally ran into a lively foursome playing elevator golf. They were clearly having a ball. This kind of activity was authentic to Chili's light-hearted culture.
I share this to remind you to ensure that whatever you plan for a bit of summer team time genuinely connects with your people and aligns with your culture. Forced fun is no fun at all, and silliness is no substitute for actual bonding with people.
Here are some creative ways to build connection and camaraderie this season.
Go for ice cream
If possible, spend a little one-on-one time with each team member over the summer–and leave the agenda at the office. This is all about getting to know each other. Go for lunch, a coffee or beer (if appropriate in your organization), or even just an ice cream. The idea is to spend a little unstructured time out of the office.
Join a summer sports leagues
If your team is athletically oriented, joining a recreational summer league is a fantastic way to spend time together outside work. From slow-pitch softball to ultimate frisbee, soccer, or beach volleyball, a little friendly competition is a fun and healthy way to strengthen team bonds.
Take an outdoor meeting
Remember how exciting it was in grade school when your teacher would hold class outside at the end of the school year for a treat? That same strategy is an excellent way to break up the boardroom routine. Change up the usual location by holding some meetings outdoors, in the park, or on a patio. The change of scenery is refreshing–and it might even spark some creative ideas!
Host a Friday barbecue
End the week with the quintessential summer meal: a barbecue. These casual gatherings provide an informal opportunity for team members to unwind, socialize, and connect on a personal level outside the typical structure of your work environment.
Support a community project
If your team likes to give back, look for opportunities to come together to support community initiatives. Whether it’s a fundraiser for a local charity, a fun run, or volunteering at a local shelter or other non-profit, this kind of community-minded activity is rewarding, builds relationships, and fosters a shared sense of purpose—a triple win!
And there you have it, some simple ways to build camaraderie and connection over the summer. What are we missing? And what does your organization do to build bonds before Labor Day?
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