As a leader who scaled Change.org's social organizing efforts, I've seen firsthand how fostering genuine relationships transforms teams. Drawing from techniques honed by our community organizers, here are three exercises that build authentic bonds—even in traditional corporate settings.
Related: The Roadmap to Great Teamwork
In social movements, teams start by sharing personal stories to create unbreakable trust. This approach is gaining traction in schools, businesses, and beyond. While it might feel unconventional at first, I've successfully integrated these into Change.org, winning over even the most skeptical engineers and executives.
Here are the exercises that deliver real results:
1. Lifelines
Break into small groups and have each person share 3-5 pivotal life moments that shaped them. These confidential exchanges shatter barriers, revealing stories of overcoming racism, loss, mentorships, and unique opportunities. The result? Profound trust and empathy within your team.
2. Storytelling
Extend lifelines by inviting volunteers to share rehearsed life stories with the larger group—perhaps around a campfire at a retreat. At one of our corporate events, 10 colleagues' tales of triumph and vulnerability left us laughing, crying, and more connected than ever. Such openness inspires everyone to lower their guards.
3. Appreciations
At project wrap-ups or offsites, circle up for public shout-outs. Give each person a few minutes to receive specific appreciations from peers. It's awkward at first—most of us aren't used to it—but profoundly moving. Time flies as genuine admiration flows, strengthening team cohesion.
These activities cultivate deeper relationships that enhance collaboration, ease conflict resolution, and encourage assuming the best in colleagues. My go-to advice for team friction? "Go grab a beer (or tea) first." Personal connections make everything smoother.
Skeptical? We've converted engineers and accountants at Change.org—these work anywhere, from universities to sports teams. Beneath professional facades, we're all human.
Related: How to Connect with Different Personality Types
Excerpt from Objective: Are You a Manager or a Movement Starter? by Jennifer Dulski, courtesy of Portfolio, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © Jennifer Dulski, 2018.
