Engaging Virtually: Fostering Recognition and Team Collaboration for Connected Work
As many meetings are now virtual or hybrid, ensuring engagement and fostering recognition is increasingly important. Structuring meetings and agendas with your team in mind is key for Connected Teamwork.
Here are some things that have greatly helped me:
When constructing meeting agendas, I actively seek feedback and guidance from my team on what they want to experience and contribute. By asking them what they would like to see or share during the meeting, I empower them to actively engage in shaping our discussions.
Moreover, recognition plays a significant role in team dynamics. Years ago, I had a dynamic manager named Jacob Rivera who introduced a unique tradition—a “DJ of the Week” concept. During team meetings, we would recognize someone from the previous week who achieved success, whether it was a deal victory or an exceptional best practice they shared. The chosen individual would then become the “DJ of the Week,” selecting a song to kick off our call. This simple gesture created a sense of appreciation and camaraderie among team members.
At the end of our fiscal year, I had the team nominate each other for some fun and silly awards, plus share what their greatest learnings from the year were and we had an amazing hour of recognition and stories.
By incorporating these practices, I have witnessed remarkable results. Engaging my team in structuring meeting agendas not only ensures that the content is relevant and meaningful to them but also fosters a sense of ownership and involvement. Additionally, incorporating recognition activities into our meetings cultivates a positive and motivated team atmosphere.
Remember, recognition is free, and its impact on team morale and engagement is immeasurable. So, let’s strive to create engaging meetings that resonate with our teams, incorporating their ideas, and infusing a touch of fun and recognition along the way!
Have you tried similar practices in your virtual or hybrid meetings? I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Let’s keep our teams engaged and motivated together! 
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