Building a Strong Team Through Communication and Belonging: An Interview with Venti
In this podcast, Aaron Shao interviews Venti, a team manager with eight years of experience in IKL, covering Kuala Lumpur, Johor, and Guangdong. Venti shares insights into building a successful team, emphasizing the importance of communication, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating a supportive environment.
The Importance of Team Bonding
Understanding Each Other
Venti stresses that the foundation of a strong team lies in understanding each other. Bonding facilitates communication, allowing team members to discover each other's aspirations and preferences. This understanding fosters a familial atmosphere, where leaders can better support and guide their team members.
Creating a Sense of Belonging
Venti emphasizes that a sense of belonging is crucial for team cohesion and performance. This cannot be bought; it's a culture that needs to be cultivated. When team members feel a sense of belonging, they are more willing to contribute and perform better.
Encouraging Activities
Venti encourages team leaders to organize activities, even small ones, to foster connection. These activities provide opportunities for team members to interact, build camaraderie, and develop a sense of community.
Practical Strategies for Building Team Bonding
Daily Check-ins and Skill Sharing
Venti suggests implementing a daily check-in system where team members share their goals and challenges. This fosters accountability and provides opportunities for skill sharing and problem-solving within the team.
Creating a Welcoming Environment
Venti highlights the importance of a welcoming office environment. By making the office a place where team members feel comfortable and supported, leaders can encourage them to come in regularly and engage with each other. He recommends advertising the team's planned activities on the weekend to encourage team member participation.
Team Building Activities
Venti outlines a structured approach to team building, dividing activities into different levels:
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Large-scale activities: These are for larger groups (10-20+ people) and are designed to facilitate introductions and create a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The focus is on play and getting to know each other. 90% of the large scale events should be centered around letting people get to know each other.
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Small-scale activities: These are more frequent and involve smaller groups or even one-on-one interactions. These can be chats, team lunches, and small-group competitions.
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Goal setting with competition
Venti emphasizes that the main goal is communication and finding what is fun for all team members.
End-of-Year Bonding
The end of the year is an excellent time for team bonding activities due to holidays and the culmination of performance targets. These events offer a chance for relaxation, celebration, and re-establishing team momentum.
Focusing on Value and Not Work
According to Venti, leaders must focus on the value they can provide to their team members, rather than just focusing on work. This means providing training, resources, and opportunities for growth. When team members perceive value in being part of the team, they are more likely to engage and contribute.
The Role of the Leader in Fostering Communication and Belonging
Active Listening and Empathetic Communication
Venti highlights the importance of active listening and empathetic communication. Leaders should create a safe space where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns without fear of judgment. Avoid questioning in a hostile manner.
Understanding Individual Strengths and Weaknesses
Venti stresses the importance of understanding each team member's strengths and weaknesses. This allows leaders to tailor support and guidance to individual needs and ensure that everyone is playing to their strengths. Some are better with the on-site process, while some are better with the analytics.
Being a Bridge Between Team Members
Venti sees the leader as a bridge, connecting team members with complementary skills and experiences. By facilitating connections and knowledge sharing, leaders can foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
Overcoming Communication Barriers
Venti suggests a soft approach when dealing with introverted or reluctant team members. He recommends starting with informal interactions, such as inviting them to social events through a mutual friend.
Conclusion
Venti's insights emphasize that building a strong team requires a holistic approach that prioritizes communication, fosters a sense of belonging, and empowers team members to reach their full potential. By focusing on these key elements, leaders can create a thriving and successful team.
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