This document provides tips for managers to build better team bonds. It recommends taking team outings to allow employees to socialize outside of work. Encouraging relationships and trust between employees by allowing flexible work schedules helps create a more productive environment. Meeting regularly with direct reports, whether monthly one-on-ones or group lunches, allows managers to understand employees better and improve communication.

1. H O W TO B U I L D A B E T T E R T E A M
B O N D A S A M A N A G E R K E V I N X U

2. • As a manager, recruiting
talent is a whole task in
itself, especially for a small
business.
• But once you’ve assembled
a solid group, getting these
creative minds and
dedicated personalities to
work cohesively requires
some nurturing as well.

3. • Some employees of yours may not be as social as others
in the workplace, while others have schedules that just
don’t coincide with the daily agenda of the majority.

4. • To establish a more productive an environment,
implement a few practices or activities that will push
your team towards creating a better bond.

5. C O M PA N Y
O U T I N G S
• Team-building activities are perfect for getting employees to work together
and they prove effective in allowing individuals get to know one another
better.
• Although not everyone is comfortable in these types of settings so making
your company outings a social event can be much more relaxing.

6. • Consider taking team
lunches to take an
hour out of the day
and talk about non-
work related matters.
• Startups with sales
driven initiatives may
offer company happy
hours periodically if
goals are met.

7. E N C O U R A G E
R E L AT I O N S H I P S &
T R U S T
• Many office places are often
strained by the pressing
demand to meet
deliverables, so much that
they’re void of the human
aspect.
• Efficiency comes first, but in
route to creating a more
productive team, building
the camaraderie aspect is a
major proponent of that.

8. • As a manager you should encourage working relationships
among employees and trust that they can work and still
interact at a comfortable level with those around them at
the right times.

9. • Allowing employees to take an extended lunch or an
occasional work from home day helps establish trust
between co-workers.

10. M E E T
R E G U L A R LY
• The best way to
understand your
employees is to meet
with them on a
regular basis.
• You’ll have to
determine how
periodically this will
happen without
disrupting your
team’s workflow.

11. • But whether it’s a monthly one-on-one session or a lunch meeting,
keeping communication open allows for a better bond among tiers.

12. • Solidifying communication lines is a must for managers,
but making gains and improvements during these
meetings are just as imperative.

13. • Communicate the goals of your employee’s roles clearly and the goals or
purpose of the company entirely — this helps let them know what’s
expected.
• But meetings also allow for opportunities for feedback and new
perspectives can lead to structural improvement.

14. • Don’t forget to check out Kevin Xu’s
article on employee communication
here.