Many of us keep professional relationships surface-level. It’s hard to be vulnerable in the workplace, and also important to respect each person’s boundaries when it comes to sharing personal information.

But it’s equally important to remember that letting down our guard to build deeper relationships directly impacts how we feel about work and our colleagues. We are more inclined to trust, champion, and collaborate with teammates when we feel known and when deeper connection exists.

Georgia Bulldogs Coach Kirby Smart knows the power of being known. As highlighted in a recent ESPN special, he incorporated “skull sessions” into this year’s season, where players traded some on-the-field practice time for off-the-field sharing in small groups about their personal lives. I loved the way the reporter summarized it: "Getting closer to their goals meant actually getting closer." These connection-boosting conversations paid off as Georgia came home with the National Championship trophy! 

Here are two simple ideas for fostering connection on your work team:

• Schedule a lunch meeting where no work-related talk is allowed. Have everyone bring 1-2 questions that they want to ask the rest of the team.

• Start every meeting with an icebreaker. Make it easy and use the spinning wheel I referenced in the video.

• No doubt you have other ideas. Share them in the comments below!

Humans are wired for connection—even at work.

Use the Spinning Wheel Icebreaker Tool for FREE!