Connection and connectedness can mean a variety of things to different people. It may mean a team has a deep emotional connection with each other and operates more like a family. This may seem wonderful in theory, but these situations can be rare to find. What I’m talking about is a bit smaller scale. It’s more about relating to people, ideas, objectives, perspectives, backgrounds and values. If you can get your team to relate to each other even a little bit better, you’re already on the way to creating a more connected workplace. Connection in the workplace is about developing open and trusting relationships with your colleagues and having a shared commitment to achieving results for a defined purpose. There are often three components of connection to consider:
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Connection to each other: Do your team members have open and trusting relationships?
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Connection to purpose: Why does your work matter? Is there a shared commitment to support this purpose?
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Connection to results: How will you know if the team is on track with supporting the purpose? Is there a shared commitment to the results that will define success?
We all know that connection in the workplace leads to positive outcomes, better communication, higher morale and greater collaboration. The opposite is true of disconnected teams. They lack a sense of community, perceive unfairness and have conflicting values. You might even hear a “us vs. them” mentality. It is essential for clinic leaders to connect with their teams to strengthen morale, engagement levels and productivity.
Strategies for Fostering Team Connection
Lead by example: Clinic leaders set the tone for their teams and play a key role in fostering connections. You can create an environment that encourages people to communicate, share ideas and be accountable for their actions. You also set the expectation that everyone should treat each other with respect and compassion. The clinic staff will sense an imposter, so you must be consistent and authentic in your approach to connecting with your team.
Be accessible: People need to see and feel who you are to feel connected to the work you want them to do. Keep an open-door policy and check in frequently with your team members. Schedule regular one-on-one and team meetings to create connectedness but be intentional with the agenda you set for the meetings. Sharing “the numbers” or “the weekly/monthly clinic stats” should never be the first priority of these meetings. Prioritize asking how your team members are doing, allow them to share personal stories or important events happening. Get to know their interests on a personal level and ask for feedback on what is going well and what isn’t. This will accomplish much more than “here are the numbers”.
Appreciation and Recognition: Make it easy to celebrate each other’s successes. Authentic praise goes a long way. Recognizing team wins or individual achievements can help create a sense of connection and shared purpose. Be aware that appreciation is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Everyone accepts and receives appreciation in different ways and understanding these approaches or “languages” as described in the “5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace” by Gary Chapman and Paul White can enhance the dynamics at your clinic because if you try to express appreciation in ways that aren’t meaningful to your co-workers, they may not feel valued at all. Personalizing appreciation will help you express your gratitude in ways that truly resonate with your staff.
The essence of our leadership within the physical therapy realm isn’t just about guiding our team through day-to-day tasks–it’s deeply rooted in the connections we cultivate along the way. By dedicating ourselves to building authentic connections, promoting transparent communication, and celebrating every achievement collectively, we create a flourishing workplace that's deeply interconnected. This approach enhances team morale and significantly raises the bar for patient care excellence.
- Gretchen Walsh, DPT
This article is the second in a detailed three-part series aimed at deepening your grasp and use of the three essential "C" strategies for creating a successful environment: Communication, Connection, and Culture. If you missed the first blog, click here to read it.