We are working and delivering projects in a hybrid environment. Leaders must critically examine what interactions matter most for their teams.
How do you build relationships with your internal stakeholders?: members of your teams (hypothesis: a team is collocated)
I find it fascinating that researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology revealed that communal coffee breaks can significantly enhance productivity (the research was carried out among Bank of America's call center employees). The investigation found that teams taking 15-minute breaks communicated 18% more effectively during work hours than those with staggered breaks. In addition, there was a notable decrease in staff turnover, with a 12% rate for groups taking breaks together versus 40% for others. This enhanced teamwork resulted in an estimated $15 million increase in annual productivity.
In Sweden, the coffee break is not just an ordinary break. It is a unique social event known as Fika, which originates from the old Swedish word for coffee, "kaffi". The tradition of Fika began in the 1900s when factories reported an increase in accidents at specific times: (at) 10 AM and 3 PM. In response to this issue, Fika breaks were introduced to help reduce the number of those accidents. Since then, Fika has become a part of Swedish culture and a popular way to socialize over coffee and pastries (by taking a collective break).
During this ritual, once or twice daily, colleagues gather over coffee, pastries, or snacks and put aside their phones, laptops, and work-related discussions. Swedish employees and their managers believe this practice helps improve well-being, productivity, and innovation by clearing the mind and fostering a sense of (psychological) togetherness among team members.
This is also the benefit of teams and their stakeholders having lunch together in communal areas. Even though we might find ourselves on the opposite sides of a decision, when we "break bread" with someone else, we start to see all the things that make us similar rather than focusing on our differences.
Kiron
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1 reply by Maria Hrabikova
Nov 07, 2024 7:00 PM
Maria Hrabikova
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Thank you, Kiron.
The ‘Break Bread’ point is a valuable idea for me to consider. Until now, I haven’t thought about building relationships with stakeholders from this perspective.
PMO Leader | Speaker & Mentor | Content Leader – PMOGA Latin America
Hub| Catholic University of UruguayMontevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
As a project manager, building strong relationships with internal stakeholders is critical to success. This involves identifying each individual, understanding their needs and expectations, communicating clearly and transparently, and managing their expectations realistically. To build trust, it is essential to be authentic, deliver on promises, listen actively and recognise everyone's contributions. By involving stakeholders in decision-making and delegating tasks, a sense of ownership and commitment to the project is fostered. In short, cultivating relationships based on trust and open communication ensures a collaborative working environment and increases the likelihood of achieving project objectives.
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1 reply by Maria Hrabikova
Nov 07, 2024 7:10 PM
Maria Hrabikova
...
Thank you, Fabian.
I completely agree with you on the importance of open and transparent communication. Being clear about progress updates, budget allocations, and potential risks associated with the project is essential for building strong relationships with our stakeholders.
This is also the benefit of teams and their stakeholders having lunch together in communal areas. Even though we might find ourselves on the opposite sides of a decision, when we "break bread" with someone else, we start to see all the things that make us similar rather than focusing on our differences.
Kiron
Thank you, Kiron.
The ‘Break Bread’ point is a valuable idea for me to consider. Until now, I haven’t thought about building relationships with stakeholders from this perspective. Saving Changes...
As a project manager, building strong relationships with internal stakeholders is critical to success. This involves identifying each individual, understanding their needs and expectations, communicating clearly and transparently, and managing their expectations realistically. To build trust, it is essential to be authentic, deliver on promises, listen actively and recognise everyone's contributions. By involving stakeholders in decision-making and delegating tasks, a sense of ownership and commitment to the project is fostered. In short, cultivating relationships based on trust and open communication ensures a collaborative working environment and increases the likelihood of achieving project objectives.
Thank you, Fabian.
I completely agree with you on the importance of open and transparent communication. Being clear about progress updates, budget allocations, and potential risks associated with the project is essential for building strong relationships with our stakeholders. Saving Changes...
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