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November 7, 2024

Key Takeaways from Our Webinar on Building Connected Teams

Welcome back to our Be The Change series! Our latest webinar explored the power of connected teams and how to bring people together across various roles and locations. Hosted by Paul, CEO of Trickle, we were joined by two insightful speakers, Alison McBride from West Dunbartonshire Council and Hayley Raeper from CreateFuture.

If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Here’s a friendly recap of the main points and practical tips you can take straight into your own workplace.

Highlights from the session

1. Anonymity: The Secret to Honest Feedback

Alison shared how using anonymous feedback through Trickle has been a game-changer at West Dunbartonshire Council. Allowing employees to share their thoughts anonymously gives a true sense of what’s going on beneath the surface. Anonymity helps people feel safe to speak up, making it easier to tackle real issues, uncover myths, and address common concerns. As Alison puts it, “if you really want to know what your team is thinking, create a safe, anonymous space for them to tell you!”

Hayley echoed this, noting that anonymity creates a psychologically safe environment. When people feel safe, they’re more likely to share openly, which ultimately strengthens trust within the organisation.

Action Tip: If you haven’t already, consider adding an anonymous feedback option to your team. Trickle offers exactly that, a robust and safe employee voice platform – with optional anonymity. Ensure that feedback is respected and acted upon to build trust over time.

2. Embracing Mistakes as Learning Moments

At CreateFuture, Hayley explained how they’ve created a “no-blame” culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. When something doesn’t go as planned, they ask, “What can we learn from this?” rather than pointing fingers. This approach empowers employees to innovate without fear, knowing they’ll be supported if things don’t go perfectly.

Alison also highlighted the value of treating mistakes as learning moments, allowing teams to adjust and grow together. This culture of openness leads to continuous development and improvement.

Action Tip: Try holding “learning from mistakes” sessions with your team. When something goes wrong, encourage everyone to reflect on how to improve next time. It’s a great way to make mistakes feel less daunting and more valuable.

3. Transparent Communication from Leadership

Alison and Hayley both agreed that open, honest communication from leadership is key. Hayley shared how CreateFuture’s CEO regularly hosts “Ask Me Anything” sessions, where employees can ask any question on their minds. This kind of transparency builds trust and makes employees feel more connected to the organisation’s goals.

Alison mentioned that visibility from leadership is especially important for teams working remotely or in the field. Leaders who are approachable and honest help everyone feel aligned with the organisation’s values, no matter where they work.

Action Tip: Encourage leaders in your team to host regular Q&A sessions or open forums. It’s a simple way to keep everyone informed and feeling connected.

4. Building Community with Informal Interactions

In remote or hybrid work environments, creating chances for informal chats can really help people feel connected. At CreateFuture, the team uses Donut Chats – a tool that pairs employees for a casual virtual coffee chat. Alison mentioned similar efforts at the council, where “tea and chat” sessions and collaborative spaces encourage spontaneous conversations.

Action Tip: Set up informal virtual coffee breaks or randomised chat sessions for team members. It’s a small step that can go a long way in building connections.

5. Moving Beyond “Survey Fatigue” to Prevent “Inaction Fatigue”

One of the most intriguing points from the session was the idea of “inaction fatigue.” Rather than being tired of giving feedback, many employees are frustrated when their feedback doesn’t lead to visible change. Alison and Hayley emphasised that it’s the lack of action after feedback that causes disengagement.

Action Tip: After gathering feedback, make sure to follow up with a “You Said, We Did” update. This shows employees that their input is valued and leads to real change. Tools like Trickle make this easy for you with the built-in smart prioritisation feature that delivers real-time updates on the top 5 things that matter to your employees, ensuring a laser focus on critical issues.

Five Simple Steps to Build a Connected Team

Here’s a quick summary of practical steps you can implement today:

Introduce Anonymous Feedback Channels: Create a safe space for honest feedback and let people know it’s OK to be open.
Celebrate Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: Cultivate a no-blame culture where mistakes are part of the growth process.
Encourage Transparent Leadership Communication: Host regular Q&A sessions with leaders to keep communication open and honest.
Foster Informal Connections: Use virtual coffee chats or other informal meet-ups to help team members connect.
Act on Feedback: Follow up on employee feedback with visible actions to show their input makes a difference.

About the Be The Change Series

Are you ready to transform your workplace from within? Our Be The Change series is your invitation to do just that! Brought to you by Trickle, our exclusive webinar series is designed to empower individuals like you to become catalysts for change.

At Trickle, we believe in the power of individuals to shape their work environments. Be The Change isn’t just a webinar series; it’s a call to action. Through each session, you’ll discover how to take small steps and bold actions that can make a real difference in your organisation.

Here’s why you won’t want to miss future sessions:

Empowerment: Learn how to use your unique strengths to drive positive change, starting with everyday actions.
Transformation: Embrace both personal and organisational growth with strategies to elevate your role and impact.
Inspiration: Be inspired by our expert guests and the powerful reminder to “be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Join us on this journey to create a brighter future together! Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on upcoming sessions and continue shaping the workplace for the better.