π Make Team Bonding a Thing
It’s easy to get caught up in deadlines and to-dos, but the best teams don’t just
work together; they actually
like each other. Even though we’re fully remote, we still make time for fun because those small moments of connection build trust, collaboration, and morale.
Case in point: Every Mon, our team kicks off the week with a game of
GeoGuessr—aka, wildly guessing random locations on Google Maps and battling other teams. Work-related? Not at all. But it gets us laughing, talking, and fired up for the week ahead (we are
very competitive).
- Make it low-lift – Team bonding shouldn’t feel like another meeting. Keep it light, fun, and optional.
- Mix it up – Virtual escape rooms, trivia, book clubs, there’s more to bonding than happy hours.
- Keep it inclusive – Not everyone drinks or wants to join a game night. Give options that work for different personalities.
π
Our reco: Outback Team Building – A ton of virtual and in-person team experiences, from scavenger hunts to virtual game shows.
π
Alternative: The Escape Game – Immersive in-person and virtual escape rooms that bring teams together through adventure, problem-solving, and a whole lot of fun.
π₯ Make 1:1s a Safe Space
A good 1:1 isn’t just a glorified status update—it’s a chance to actually check in on your team as
people. I had a direct report whose work started slipping, which was totally out of character. In our 1:1, she opened up about suddenly becoming a caretaker for
two family members, and the stress was unreal. That convo gave us the chance to create a plan that actually supported her instead of adding to the overwhelm.
Tips:
- Make it consistent – If you only meet when things go wrong, that’s a problem. Set a recurring time (weekly, biweekly—whatever works) and stick to it.
- Track takeaways – If you’re having the same conversation every week with no progress, what’s the point? Keep a record of discussions, action items, and goals so you can actually move things forward.
- Listen beyond work updates – Sometimes, what’s not being said is just as important. Pay attention to shifts in tone, performance, energy, or engagement—it could be a sign they need extra support.
π
Our reco: Fellow – Sends AI summaries, plus it keeps notes, action items, and past convos all in one place so follow-ups don’t get lost.
π
Alternative: Google Meet or
Microsoft Teams – Both let you record meetings for easy reference, so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
π¬ Get Real Feedback (Without the Awkwardness)
Not everyone is comfortable giving unfiltered feedback
directly—especially if it’s about leadership. That’s why anonymous surveys are key. They give your team a space to be honest without fear of consequences.
Tips:
- Ask better questions – Instead of “How’s everything going?” (vague), try “What’s one thing that would make your workday easier?” (uncovers pain points).
- Follow up on feedback – If people take the time to respond, show them it actually leads to change. Otherwise, why would they bother next time?
- Keep it short & sweet – No one wants to fill out a 20-question survey. Make it quick, relevant, and easy to complete.
π
Our choice: Zoho Forms – Great for more structured reporting & automation.
π
Alternative: Typeform – engaging, useful data insights, lots of integrations, and has a free plan.
Creating a culture where people feel seen, valued, and heard takes work, but when you get it right, the payoff is a team that’s not just engaged, but
all in.✅ Coming Up Next
You can’t pour from an empty cup, so next up, we’re talking about how to take care of
yourself. I’ll spill the tea on rage-quitting a job once, the stress that followed, and what finally got me to prioritize my own mental health (spoiler: therapy was a game-changer).
Talk soon,
—Joanna
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