How we use in-person connection to work on our business

Nothing beats in-person team connection. 👯‍♀️

Every year, we bring the Accelity team together for our annual onsite. As I sit here reflecting on this year’s gathering, I can’t help but appreciate how much this event has evolved over time.

In a world where remote work is becoming the norm, finding meaningful ways for your team to connect is more important than ever. If you’re searching for ideas to strengthen your team’s bond, here’s what I recommend:

1. Get face-to-face. 🤝

Every workplace—remote, in-person, or something in-between—can benefit from getting their team in one place to connect and discuss business. There's less misinterpretation and more resolution when a team is in person. People get to know each other on a deeper level. From there, they build trust and respect.

Invest in getting together in person—if you don't have space and big funds, find a co-working space that rents rooms on the cheap (we love Ward4 in Milwaukee), or reserve space in a local library. Any space that fosters collaboration will work!

2. Don't overbook. 📆

The first year I planned an onsite, every minute was accounted for. What can I say, I'm textbook Type A. But we found that it didn’t allow room for meetings that go a little long, for smaller breakout meetings, or for those (very important!) water cooler conversations.

Since then, the on-sites have evolved. We work on the most important issues at the business for a bit, and most of the time, we have together is meeting-focused or unstructured so that we can collaborate and enjoy each other's company!

3. Work ON the business together. 🔗

Your team is in your company's day-to-day more than you—they see everything, from the processes that work best, to the ones that have MAJOR friction. They know business strengths and also see gaps.

Draw that knowledge out of them! If your group is anything like our team, they want to support the company’s and each other’s success.

One exercise we've done two years in a row is a client journey mapping exercise. Previously, Vanaya Grice walked through putting ourselves in our client's shoes. From there, we identified key points and chose which solutions were our top priorities—and we've seen incredible change since then.

4. If you're a leader, say less. 🤐

Like us, you probably have highly intelligent people with ideas that are better than yours (no offense!). To paraphrase Steve Jobs, you hire smart people and then get them to guide you to the solutions.

You've brought everyone together in person for a reason. You don't see all of the things your team sees. It's time to sit back and listen. Remember, if your leaders are talking more than 10–20% of the time together, they're talking too much.

5. Add in some FUN! 🤗

This year, we had a casual hang at a local beer garden—it was a beautiful day, and we got to connect with each other so much more than we could just in the office! Next month we're cashing in our raincheck to go boating.

You don't have to break the bank to unwind with your team!

Sometimes we’re so focused on the day-to-day and zoning in on working IN that business; working ON the business, especially with in-person connection, is highly valuable and shows your team that their voice matters!