In today’s disconnected world, building connection at work can feel like an uphill battle. But small, intentional actions can make all the difference. Let’s explore some fresh ways to bring people closer—no forced team bonding required.
In today’s disconnected world, building connection at work can feel like an uphill battle. But small, intentional actions can make all the difference. Let’s explore some fresh ways to bring people closer—no forced team bonding required.
Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.
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Hey, it’s Rachel Cooke, your Modern Mentor! I’m the founder of Lead Above Noise, where we help leaders activate performance and engagement—without burning out. Whether it’s bootcamps, keynotes, or Pulse Checks, we deliver workshops and programs that drive meaningful change. If your workplace is ready for an activation boost, you know where to find me.
So, I've recentlyI’m recently returned from my last flight of the year. And as we were rolling into the holidayinto holiday season, I’ll spare you the choice words that come to mind when I think of that particular airport experience.
But as I stood in the nightmarish security line, this woman in front of me drops her boarding pass (yeah - it was adorably a paper one) and I looked down and saw a bunch of scribbles on it. Little notes saying things like “Power bars” and “phone charger.”
She saw me see it and we both started laughing. It was just so relatable. And we ended up having a great conversation - and it totally passed the time.
Thinking about it later, I had this appreciation for the realization that connection doesn’t have to come from big, planned moments. Sometimes, it’s about catching those small opportunities to show up for someone, share a laugh, or just make them feel seen.
I think we need more of this mindset in the workplace. Amidst the big return-to-office battles while we still wade through the Great Detachment - it just feels like we’re missing something essential.
So how can we start to build some moments of organic connection in the workplace without relying on overblown policies or global corporate efforts?
Here are some things that come to mind for me.
Connection doesn’t have to be grand—it can live in the tiniest moments of interaction. And when you create a culture where these moments are encouraged, they start to add up.
Something to play with:: at the start of your next team meeting, ask everyone to share a “3-2-1 check-in”—3 words to describe how they’re feeling, 2 things they’re looking forward to, and 1 question for the group. Or insert your own goofball rules.
It’s quick, it’s light, and it creates an opportunity for people to share a little more about themselves in a low-pressure way. No need to share anything deeply private - just a little glimpse into the non-work sides of ourselves. Over time, these moments build trust and open the door to deeper conversations.
We tend to bond more deeply over our challenges than our successes. So, invite your team to share lessons learned from things that didn’t go perfectly.
Fun way to try it? Host a “failure party.” Ask team members to bring one story of something that went sideways and what they learned from it. Bonus points if it’s funny. But definitely has to offer a lesson.
This shouldn’t be about moments of sloppiness or carelessness. But rather around intentional risks you took - times when you tried something new or altered an age-old approach. And the outcome wasn’t a win but it delivered a message.
Not only does this normalize imperfection, but it also gives people a chance to connect over their shared humanity. Vulnerability is a shortcut to trust.
When your team is scattered across different locations, creating shared rituals can make everyone feel part of the same story.
Here are a few I’ve seen throughout 2024.
People connect when they feel seen and appreciated for what they bring to the table. So, create opportunities for your team to learn about each other’s roles, challenges, and strengths.
So play around a little with a buddy system -maybe a day each month in which 2 people buddy up to shadow each other. So Linda from Client Acquisition spends the morning shadowing Dan in Marketing - she pops into his meetings, contributes to or just learns about his key projects, and then in the afternoon they switch. They can do some Q+A and just broaden their understanding of each other’s roles.
It’s an amazing way to create more empathy for each other’s roles while also enhancing our decision-making capability. We make choices that are wiser and more well-thought out when we understand what the teams up and downstream are doing.
When people feel connected, collaboration and creativity tend to flow. So, why not tie connection to problem-solving?
Here’s an idea: run a “Two Truths and a Brainstorm” session. Team members share two truths about their current challenges, and then the group collaborates to brainstorm ideas or solutions.
It’s connection with a purpose—and it gives everyone a chance to contribute while learning from each other’s perspectives.
Connection isn’t something you can force. But you can create the conditions where it’s more likely to happen—by making space for small moments, encouraging vulnerability, and sparking curiosity.
So, pick one of these ideas and give it a try this week. Maybe it’s a 3-2-1 check-in, a failure party, or a role swap. Whatever it is, notice how it feels to invite connection into your day-to-day.
Remember - connection doesn’t have to begin with executive sponsorship. We are all empowered to shift our experiences. Small moments and a willingness to play a little is all it really takes to get started.
Join me next week for another great episode. Until then, visit my website at leadabovenoise.com if your workplace could use an Activation boost—whether it’s a bootcamp, a keynote, or a Pulse check, you choose. You can follow Modern Mentor on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Thanks so much for listening and have a successful week.
Modern Mentor is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast. It’s audio-engineered by Dan Feirabend. Our Director of Podcasts is Brannan Goetschius. Our Podcast and Advertising Operations Specialist is Morgan Christianson. Our Digital Operations Specialist is Holly Hutchings. Our Marketing and Publicity Associate is Davina Tomlin. Our Marketing Contractor is Nathaniel Hoopes.