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: Confetti – A ton of virtual and in-person team experiences, from cooking classes to games.
π
Alternative: Donut – A Slack integration that randomly pairs teammates for virtual coffee chats.
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: Typeform – engaging, useful data insights, lots of integrations, and has a free plan.
π
Alternative: Zoho Forms – Great for more structured reporting & automation.
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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