How Managers Can Build a Team By Taking a Walk

In recent decades, technology has provided us with the necessary tools to do practically all of our work from our desk. Gone are the days of having to track down your co-workers or boss to get their input. We have become much more sedentary as a society. This has caused a decrease in the average worker’s health, which can also affect productivity. As a leader, your role in the workplace is not only to supervise but encourage the most healthy, hard-working and effective team possible.

Clear Your Head

If you look at an average American workplace, it may seem relaxed. However, looks can be deceiving, as those who have worked in an office can attest. The constant back and forth emails, deadlines and the ever-glowing light of our computers can be stressful. For a different kind of break, managers can gather their teams once or twice a day and take a walk with them. This will allow them to build face-to-face relationships with managers and co-workers. In addition, walking will provide them the opportunity to clear their minds from the everyday stresses of the workplace. 

See Things from an Employee’s Perspective

Many times, solutions can only be discovered when different perspectives come together. A manager who constantly sits behind a desk attempting to solve all the company’s issues will probably not get too far. Gemba can help managers to solve any issues on hand and also boost morale around the office. Gemba walks are designed to take a manager around the workplace for the purpose of observing employees and their work, learning more about how things work at their level, and developing respect for them and what they do.

Create Healthy Competition

Friendly competition between employees can be a good thing. Competition boosts productivity and gives people something to work towards in an otherwise mundane workplace. Creating a challenge that encourages employees to see who can get the most steps per day is a great place to start. This will not only create a morale boost, but employees will also begin to become healthier throughout the weeks.

There is no doubt that focusing on team building can increase the morale of your employees. However, if you choose to implement this into your workplace, always make sure to think about how everyone can be included in the program. This will allow for greater discussions and a more inclusive, friendly workplace.

Get consulting from Shannon that will help you increase revenues, develop a high performance team, and avoid costly mistakes. Book a strategy session today!