{"id":7462,"date":"2020-08-28T09:55:36","date_gmt":"2020-08-28T07:55:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/?p=7462"},"modified":"2023-05-11T02:00:00","modified_gmt":"2023-05-11T00:00:00","slug":"team-connectivity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/managing-teams\/team-connectivity\/","title":{"rendered":"How Good Team Connectivity Works"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A connected team is a powerful driving force any business can have. In fact, it is not even that difficult to achieve, even though it requires a little work and some resourcefulness.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the rise of remote and hybrid work models, establishing real connections in the modern workplace is even more challenging for both managers and employees.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It requires a lot of understanding of how coworkers connect with each other, and what that means for the company. Moreover, managers should lead by example and help their employees form connections that last.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article will cover:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What team connectivity is,&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What the main benefits of connected teams are,&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How human and social capital play into connectivity, and&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practical advice, tips, and tricks on how to foster team connectivity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s dive right in.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-is-team-connectivity\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"What_is_team_connectivity\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is team connectivity?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In business, the term <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">team connectivity<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> stands for team members:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being in sync,&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having the appropriate communication channels and knowledge bases,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being open-minded and open to feedback, including constructive criticism, and<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having the capacity to communicate openly and honestly.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well-connected teams can be the key to success,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> but fostering team connectivity can mean different things.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, supporting employee connections should be an ongoing and never-ending process that must be highly personalized.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though a bulletproof way to improve connection in the workplace doesn&#8217;t exist, good practice examples do \u2014 i.e.:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Establishing an inclusive company culture,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encouraging informal meetings,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Giving employees a voice,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Responding to employees\u2019 feedback,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Organizing informal gatherings, team-building activities, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the rise of remote work and distributed teams, many focused purely on the choice of an adequate communication tool, hoping the tool itself would bridge the gap.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/customer-stories\/eden-industries#:~:text=build%20games%20efficiently.-,Challenges%20Eden%20Industries%20faced,-Like%20many%20indie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">establishing the right communication channels is essential<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 but providing proper tools and then letting employees \u201cnaturally\u201d seek each other out may not be enough.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well, as it turns out, most will need a little help from their managers and team leads when it comes to maintaining a connection with the team.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, HR departments and agencies have long been scrambling for answers on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to help employees feel connected.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After all, a cohesive network of connected employees with different knowledge and skills will push a company forward.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><b>\ud83d\udca1 Clockify Pro Tip<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to learn more about building team time management and further improving it? Check out this guide:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/productivity\/team-time-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12 tips to build and improve team time management<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-the-modern-workplace-is-a-network-of-teams\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How the modern workplace is a network of teams<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The impact of all things digital has been immense on the global market. Innovative solutions and rapid changes to hierarchical business models are completely deconstructing the traditional way of work.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/joshbersin\/2016\/03\/03\/why-a-focus-on-teams-not-just-leaders-is-the-secret-to-business-performance\/#605e97f324d5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">article for Forbes magazine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Josh Bersin wrote about the \u201cnetworks of teams\u201d, a relatively recent phenomenon born from the digital workplace.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He discussed how businesses nowadays operate in teams, rather than through a hierarchy of departments.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is one such famous example.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"the-networks-of-teams-example-uber\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The networks of teams example: Uber<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bersin gives the example of Uber, so let\u2019s check out how this business conglomerate leverages the power of teams.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The company\u2019s higher-ups don\u2019t get involved with each state and city down to the most minute detail. In each city, they have managers who form networks of marketing agencies, operation leaders, local business partners, etc.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each management network works independently \u2014 but communicates and shares information with others.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IT companies work in much the same way. <\/span><b>Each department is equally important<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and none of them is above the other.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is what Bersin believes brought on the disruption in the way work is organized.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without imposed hierarchy, he asks, how do we streamline people and have them listen to each other, talk, and share the collective resources?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>The secret lies in forming these networks of teams<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 teams connected in a way that makes them productive and efficient, while also helping their personal career development.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To achieve this goal, it\u2019s vital to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/managing-teams\/employee-honesty\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">build a work environment tailored to encourage honesty<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 not only with peers but with superiors as well.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"the-benefits-of-team-connectivity-in-the-workplace\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The benefits of team connectivity<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the workplace<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019d like to argue that <\/span><b>good connections elevate both those connected and the company they work for<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s how.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"benefits-of-team-connectivity-for-the-company\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits of team connectivity for the company<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a team enjoys good connectedness, the company reaps benefits in:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More streamlined communication,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Innovation,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Faster, more creative problem-solving,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved team coordination,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less wasted time,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased overall job satisfaction, and<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fewer turnovers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"benefits-of-team-connectivity-for-employees\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits of team connectivity for employees<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With improved team connection, employees:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gain new skills,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve communication skills,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Achieve greater job satisfaction,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have a better chance at a career advancement,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are less likely to burn out, and<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are more likely to develop new friendships outside of work.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-makes-a-good-team-connection\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What makes a good team connection?&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does \u201cgood\u201d connectivity even mean?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is it when people within teams and between teams have good chemistry, so they get more work done?&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is it enhanced efficiency, better office communication, or something entirely different?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well, the connection between two employees or teams has potential if it checks off these 3 boxes:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It benefits the parties involved,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It helps the managers streamline and coordinate, and<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It brings value to the company.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leave out any of the three, and the connection can\u2019t be seen as \u201cgood\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But, before you start connecting teams, you want to make sure that the teams themselves function properly.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Otherwise, they fall apart before you even begin connecting them.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><b>\ud83d\udca1 Clockify Pro Tip<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interested in further reading on teamwork and team management topics? Check out these guides on team development and maintenance:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/business\/stages-of-group-development\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 5 stages of group development<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/managing-teams\/teamwork-in-workplace\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to create and promote teamwork in the workplace<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/business\/managing-virtual-teams\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing virtual teams<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, let\u2019s see what you can do to make team connections that matter.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-makes-connected-teams-work-and-what-makes-them-fail\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What makes connected teams work? And what makes them fail?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this section, we\u2019ll dive into the key aspects of good team connectivity and how you can use that knowledge in practice.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, to know how to connect your teams in a valuable, beneficial way, you need to understand the importance of human capital and social capital.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Human capital is the economic value an employee brings to the table with their skills, knowledge, and education<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. We hire and promote people based on their human capital. We assign them projects, tasks, and clients with this value in mind.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managers invest in human capital by providing books and resources, sending employees to conferences, courses, and so on.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But, as a value, human capital is just one part of the equation.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By knowing the skill sets, strengths, and weaknesses of your employees, you can make a more informed decision on who will be the other part of the equation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Social capital is the value brought on by connected employees<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 their joint effectiveness, pooling of resources, skills, and knowledge.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Within a company, positive social capital makes for effective teams when members<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communicate better and clearer,&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Share the same values, methods, goals,&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are more effective and productive,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are more motivated to work, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, to get good social capital, you need to have experienced, skilled individuals connected in the most compatible way.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><b>\ud83d\udca1 Clockify Pro Tip<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to read a detailed guide to learn how to accurately assess each employee\u2019s skills, productivity, and efficiency? We\u2019ve got you covered, check this out:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/business\/track-employee-performance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to track employee performance (free templates included)<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"the-benefits-of-when-social-and-human-capital-work-together\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The benefits of when social and human capital work together<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A clear case can be made for our argument on human and social capital as the two pillars of team connectivity.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In his paper titled <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/264325369_Managing_the_21st_Century_Organization\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing the Connected Organization<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, organizational network expert Valdis E. Krebs listed a few simple examples of the role human and social capital play in helping teams connect:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For project managers, social capital is integral in improving their effectiveness on a project. With a better network inside and outside the company, they are able to gather enough knowledge to get the job done quicker or solve problems more easily.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For teams, being directly or indirectly connected with different project teams can get them the information or skills they need. Good connections within a team form a knowledge base that works in one specific area. <\/span><b>But connections with other teams (directly or indirectly) will give teams the opportunity to transfer that knowledge, adopt new skills, and reach information faster<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-interdepartmental-connections-are-usually-weak\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why interdepartmental connections are usually weak<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, Krebs adds that in most cases, organizations have very poor networks.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As people begin to work on projects, they do form strong connections and add to the social capital \u2014 but to their own team as well.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Connections to other project teams are significantly weaker, if existing at all.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He concludes this becomes a sad reality of teams being unaware of just how much help and resources are at their fingertips.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An employee usually has one or two direct connections. The more connections beyond that, the more they fade away.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, John from customer service will have heard about Anna from the design team, but he won\u2019t exactly know or care about her project or skills.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But, <\/span><b>should every team member be familiar with every other member of a different team<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and know what their projects are about?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Simply put \u2014 no<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The next segment will explain why.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-the-quality-of-team-connections-is-more-important-than-the-quantity\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why the quality of team connections is more important than the quantity<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the same paper, Krebs argues that, even if connections between teams can grow weak,<\/span><b> there is no reason to force strong connections between everyone<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A fewer number of direct connections and some indirect connections are much better and easier to handle.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The image below illustrates Krebs\u2019 point.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"434\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Krebs-point-1.png\" alt=\"Krebs' point\" class=\"wp-image-15555\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Krebs-point-1.png 700w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Krebs-point-1-300x186.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The graph shows a network of connections between teams on a project.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We may think that team F or team Q have the best connections and the most social capital, as they have access to 5 other teams\u2019 resources.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, these 5 direct connections make them overburdened with resources.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Team F has direct links to teams A, B, C, D, E, F, and N. They have 1 indirect connection to team O. If they want to reach information from team T\u2026. Well, you see where it gets messy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, team O is in the best position, with only 3 direct connections. That\u2019s because these 3 connections lead them to resources of the majority of other teams in just 2 steps, where team F needs 4, 5, or more.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can try it for yourself: <\/span><b>which teams need to be connected<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, for them to need fewer steps to the resource pool?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"what-does-the-network-of-connections-teach-us\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does the network of connections teach us?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Again, we conclude that fewer, quality direct connections and several indirect ones lead to more efficient networks.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That means endorsing collaboration and matchmaking employees whose skill sets aren\u2019t the same but complement one another.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And, if you\u2019re wondering how the farthest indirect connections reach one another\u2019s resources, it\u2019s usually through emailing presentations, reports, or previous client\/customer experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even something as simple as a water cooler conversation might work \u2014 an employee will potentially share a successful team strategy, which their conversational partner (the indirect connection) will be able to recall and implement in their team\u2019s time of need.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-to-make-employees-feel-connected\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to make employees feel connected?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To form meaningful connections that will make your company and employees flourish, you\u2019ll need to introduce changes.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>No step is too small when it comes to creating functional networks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ll also share <\/span><b>a list of dos and don\u2019ts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that will come in handy, despite the company\u2019s size or the industry you\u2019re in.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"the-dos-of-fostering-team-member-connections\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The DOs of fostering team member connections<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many dimensions and layers of interpersonal connections, especially in the workplace.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And, of course, trust must be earned, but that doesn\u2019t mean the company culture should revolve around micromanagement, to provide an example.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, let\u2019s share some good practice examples, more precisely 13 DOs in the form of useful tips.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"do-work-off-of-existing-connections\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DO work off of existing connections<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find out who works with whom already, or which social groups they belong to.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Krebs and his associates formulated an excellent survey that explores precisely the types of connections employees have with others.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"664\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Krebs-survey-664x630.png\" alt=\"Krebs-survey\" class=\"wp-image-15537\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Krebs-survey-664x630.png 664w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Krebs-survey-300x285.png 300w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Krebs-survey-768x728.png 768w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Krebs-survey.png 797w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 664px) 100vw, 664px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.orgnet.com\/OrgNetMap.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Organizational Network Mapping<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A survey like this will reveal pre-existing connections, and give you an idea of how the teams work at the moment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"do-analyze-your-current-organization-for-weak-spots-or-missing-links\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DO analyze your current organization for weak spots or missing links<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the employee survey, you can identify pockets of knowledge that are unused or gaps in communication.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This leads to the process of forming a complex picture of your teams\u2019 interconnectedness and how it can be improved.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the size of the company, as well as the industry itself, the results can be vastly different.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"do-revise-reanalyze-and-readapt-the-network\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DO revise, reanalyze, and readapt the network<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow the connections closely as time goes by. If possible, conduct peer reviews like the one above.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chances are that despite all the effort, your first network of team connections will be far from ideal.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But practice makes it perfect,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> so quality leaders should know they ought to embrace change.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"do-emphasize-the-importance-of-transparency\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DO emphasize the importance of transparency<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Naturally, when employees share information about one another\u2019s projects, they will be aware of what is happening company-wide.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, it\u2019s always good to set up a system where people can freely check what other teams are working on, without the need to contact their coworkers directly.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Project team <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/help\/track-time-and-expenses\/timesheet-view\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">timesheets<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are one simple and easy way of establishing a straightforward system.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not only will team members see how far off the project has progressed, but other teams can find out what their coworkers are working on.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s an example of a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/office-team-timesheet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clockify office team timesheet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"606\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/timesheet-clockify.png\" alt=\"Timesheet - Clockify\" class=\"wp-image-15532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/timesheet-clockify.png 700w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/timesheet-clockify-300x260.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every team member can clearly see who worked on which project and for how long, so there\u2019s no confusion. Once you select a person, all relevant data about their tasks is shown in detail.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"banner banner-dark clockify-gradient-default\">\n    <div class=\"banner-text lg:pr-[6rem]\">\n        <span class=\"h4 text-lg translation-block mb-0\">Free time tracker<\/span>\n        <p class=\"translation-block mt-1 mb-3\">Time tracking software used by millions. Clockify is a time tracker and timesheet app that lets you track work hours across projects.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"banner-buttons d-flex gap-4 align-items-center translation-block justify-content-center justify-content-sm-start\">\n            <a class=\"bg-white rounded px-3 py-1 text-gray-dark\" href=\"https:\/\/app.clockify.me\/en\/signup\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up<\/a>\n\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"banner-image banner-image-middle \">\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/clockify\/default@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Illustration\"  media=\"(min-width: 1022px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/clockify\/default.png\"  alt=\"Illustration\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bear in mind, transparency among team members serves another important purpose \u2014 employees feel they can freely speak up their minds.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><b>\ud83d\udca1 Clockify Pro Tip<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to streamline your workflow in a better way and boost your employees\u2019 productivity as a consequence? You\u2019ll definitely be interested in this article:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/business\/create-transparent-accountable-team\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to create transparent and accountable teams<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"do-streamline-the-communication-channels\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DO streamline the communication channels<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speaking of communication \u2014 provide your employees with all the possible channels they may need.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ve mentioned that indirect connections communicate mainly through emails, project management platforms, and other tools rather than directly.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similarly, brainstorming sessions and meetings should follow a schedule and a timeframe. It will help different teams align their internal schedules.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"do-try-to-eliminate-or-at-least-reduce-insecurity\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DO try to eliminate, or at least reduce insecurity<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This brings us back to human capital: When individuals know how their skills contribute to the team and company, they will feel more secure and confident and form good connections more easily.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, teams should know about the company\u2019s goals, values, mission, and where it\u2019s headed in the next five years.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vagueness often leads to employees experiencing <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/productivity\/imposter-syndrome-at-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the imposter syndrome phenomenon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which can negatively impact their self-esteem.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re unaware of the phenomenon, it refers to feeling like a fraud at work, i.e. like your success is a result of luck, instead of knowledge, skills, and talents.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"do-reward-efforts-to-share-skills-and-knowledge\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DO reward efforts to share skills and knowledge<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is hardly a better way to support employees connecting with each other than by recognizing and rewarding good practices.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commend them individually and publicly when they share skills and transfer knowledge.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Properly motivating the employees and reminding them that their growth is the company\u2019s growth is essential and directly linked to employee satisfaction.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"do-be-mindful-when-youre-switching-employees-between-teams\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DO be mindful when you\u2019re switching employees between teams&nbsp;<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your carefully assembled teams may not remain the same for long.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain projects may demand employee transfers, or there might be promotions.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you decide to transfer someone from one team to another, look at how it could affect the entire network.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There could be overlaps that could increase connectivity, but new gaps can form as well.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"do-promote-healthy-ways-to-manage-emotions-at-work\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DO<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> promote healthy ways to manage emotions at work<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even the best-connected teams consist of individuals \u2014 and we must all allow ourselves to feel off our game at times.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, our personal lives will get in the way of being the most collaborative and productive version of ourselves.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other times, our crises will be work-related \u2014 but whatever the reason behind our feeling emotionally unstable, we must learn to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/productivity\/managing-emotions-at-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">manage our emotions at work<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, promote a company culture that encourages expressing emotions. However, to give you a pro tip \u2014 be mindful of the goal of sharing, as well as who you are sharing the emotions with.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, whenever you\u2019re feeling frustration, worry, disappointment, or even anger, here\u2019s what you can try:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 10-second rule (a.k.a. recompose yourself and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buy<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> some time before starting to react),<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on how to improve your situation,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engage in deep-breathing exercises (like a Navy SEAL), and<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know your triggers to be able to control them.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"do-work-with-hr-on-improving-connectivity-and-networking\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DO work with HR on improving connectivity and networking<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aside from looking for the best candidates knowledge-wise, investigate how they connect with others, and ask about previous experiences working on a team.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As for the currently employed, <\/span><b>the HR department and managers should work side by side<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at all times to help everyone integrate.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moreover, regular checkups with HR are a necessity even after the adaptation period.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s the best way to prevent <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/productivity\/career-burnout\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">employee burnout and its negative effects<\/a> \u2014 by recognizing the first signs of a team member <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/productivity\/overworking\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">being overworked<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"do-implement-a-buddy-system\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DO implement a buddy system<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a dedicated \u201cwork buddy\u201d can do wonders, especially during the adaptation period.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It creates an amazing onboarding experience, as well as a support system for new employees. Additionally, after the initial period, the status between buddies can be changed to \u201can accountability buddy\u201d \u2014 so your employees can further deepen their professional relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"do-organize-regular-social-events\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DO organize regular social events<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A well-connected workplace should function as a community. Even if your team is fully remote, regular social interactions are always a good idea.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not only will team members be more relaxed with each other, but social gatherings are also a perfect opportunity for:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enabling employees to meet people from different teams,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Praising teams\u2019 and individuals\u2019 success in front of everyone,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthening the existing positive relationships, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, try to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">organize celebratory meet-ups or breaks for casual hangouts whenever there\u2019s a job well done.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"do-embrace-a-growth-mindset-as-a-leader\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DO embrace a growth mindset as a leader<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For team members to be connected and feel comfortable sharing relevant information, team leaders must lead by example.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>The golden rule is \u2014 leaders must have a growth mindset<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does that mean?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A growth mindset will be reflected in every aspect of their management, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being goal-oriented, instead of focusing on micromanagement,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continuously finding ways to reduce drama, miscommunication, and stress,<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abolishing the culture of fear, and<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Welcoming new opportunities and change.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"the-donts-of-fostering-team-connections\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The DON\u2019Ts of fostering team connections<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that we&#8217;ve covered the DOs that will definitely help you improve team connectivity, let\u2019s check out what are some bad practices.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following 6 practices are proven to be unwise \u2014 and you should avoid them at all costs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not only can they result in stagnation, but can actually worsen the existing conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"dont-connect-too-many-teams\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DON\u2019T connect too many teams<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple indirect connections with a few direct ones work better because direct connections can provide solid information and point to other indirect ones.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Too many direct connections cause <\/span><b>an overflow of information<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"dont-force-people-to-work-together\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DON\u2019T force people to work together<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While connectivity is important \u2014 especially today with remote work flourishing \u2014 don\u2019t \u201cforce feed\u201d it.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These connections need to come as naturally as possible, and they also depend on the chemistry between employees \u2014 i.e. on who they are as people, not just based on their skill set.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"dont-lose-focus-of-the-individual-benefits\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DON\u2019T lose focus of the individual benefits<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The whole idea of social capital brought on by good connections between teams is that individuals within them benefit as well.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you lose sight of that, you risk seeing your employees as assets and not people.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Connect them to each other in such a way that the collaboration benefits their personal growth as well.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"dont-rely-solely-on-knowledge-bases\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DON\u2019T rely solely on knowledge bases&nbsp;<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since knowledge transfer happens mostly between direct connections, two distant indirect connections usually rely on knowledge bases to get their information.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a modern, digital-age solution, especially for large companies.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, knowledge bases can go out of date, be poorly edited, and even be neglected or forgotten.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Investing in interconnectivity and fluidity of information-sharing will benefit more than storing said information in a fixed archive.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"dont-focus-only-on-top-performers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DON\u2019T<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> focus only on top performers<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you see that a specific connection cluster (or network) isn\u2019t working out, work on finding a solution, rather than \u201cnipping it in the bud\u201d.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people will adapt more quickly, and form connections more easily.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And, while it is praiseworthy, it can cause insecurities with others. Keep your focus on the entirety of the network and stay vigilant.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"dont-gatekeep-any-information\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DON\u2019T gatekeep any information<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good connectivity is based on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/building-trust-in-virtual-teams\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">building trust among team members<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which can be additionally challenging to promote and maintain in virtual teams.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When all information is accessible, and there is no impression of \u201cthings going on behind closed doors\u201d, there\u2019s less doubt, less office gossip, and no buildup of mistrust.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"to-summarize-team-connectivity-makes-everyone-thrive\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To summarize: Team connectivity makes everyone thrive<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Team connectivity comes from more than just providing appropriate communication channels and knowledge bases.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is more than setting up two teams on a project, giving them enough resources, and rolling the dice to see if they give good results. Team connectivity starts with managers\u2019 understanding of how human and social capital work, especially in the modern workplace.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We operate in a digital world that rewards innovation, resourcefulness, and creativity, which can no longer be achieved through hierarchical power structures.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CEOs, managers, and HR departments need to form complex networks of teams that complement, support, and learn from one another. If the individual thrives in the work environment, so does the company.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left custom-btn\">\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/app.clockify.me\/en\/signup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Try Clockify by CAKE.com FREE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Everything you need to know about team connectivity, the do\u2019s and don\u2019ts (+ examples, tips, and tricks).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":15530,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7462","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-managing-teams"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7462","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7462"}],"version-history":[{"count":45,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7462\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37568,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7462\/revisions\/37568"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15530"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7462"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7462"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7462"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}