Motivational Mondays: Improving High Performance Teams with Kendall Wallace

Quick recap Michael and Kendall discussed the complexities of the current work environment, emphasizing the importance of creating unique team building experiences, fostering open communication, and prioritizing personal well-being for a high-performing team. They also shared their experiences and observations about team dynamics in both hybrid and remote work settings, and the role of psychological safety in a healthy workplace. The conversation concluded with an agreement to continue the discussion on improving organizations and the potential benefits for society as a whole.   Summary Discussing Work Environment Complexities and Solutions Michael and Kendall discussed the complexities of the current work environment, including hybrid and remote work arrangements, communication challenges, and the overall vibe of an organization. Michael emphasized the importance of taking time to reflect amidst the fast pace of work, and encouraged Kendall to make their conversation organic and share relevant links. Kendall introduced herself as the CEO and lead facilitator of a company called Executive Offsites. Despite potential time constraints, both were committed to a fruitful discussion. Enhancing Team Building Experiences for Communication Kendall and Michael discussed the importance of creating unique, world-class team building experiences for corporate teams to improve communication and team dynamics. They agreed that such experiences, which often involve activities outside of the office, can make a significant difference. They highlighted the importance of facilitating deeper connections and understanding among team members, particularly in remote work settings, to foster a sense of belonging. Michael noted that he has observed a decline in such connections and conversations in many workplaces, emphasizing the importance of reviving these practices. Addressing Difficult Situations and Communication Michael shared his experience of returning to work after his mother's passing, noting the team's resilience and business-as-usual approach. Kendall found this situation interesting and suggested that offsite training sessions could teach employees how to better communicate their needs and offer empathetic support to their colleagues. Kendall emphasized the importance of addressing difficult situations head-on and fostering a culture of open communication to prevent awkwardness and disconnection. Michael's Comparison of Past and Present Teams Michael shared his experiences working with another organization prior to the pandemic and how the team dynamics differed from his current one. He noted that the former team, which had been working together for a long time, operated more like a family, with a unique dynamic that included backhanded compliments and sarcasm. Kendall was curious about what made the former team function so effectively, and Michael attributed it to their long-term familiarity with each other. Nurturing Team Dynamics for High Performance Michael emphasized the need for nurturing team dynamics, comparing it to the care required for a garden. Kendall suggested strategies from the book "Tribal Leadership" to develop high-performance teams, including creating trust and understanding team value. She also highlighted the importance of facilitated offsite meetings to enhance team bonding and ensure psychological safety. Both agreed on the need for continuous attention and care to foster a healthy team environment. Emphasizing Psychological Safety in Workplace Michael emphasized the importance of psychological safety in the workplace, noting that when employees feel valued, appreciated, and seen, they are more likely to work harder and contribute positively to the team. Kendall furthered this argument, stating that creating a context for people to feel valued, seen, and heard is crucial for a high-performing team. She highlighted the need for building this into company culture, whether through regular off-sites or peri