Connecting with your Team

Schedule Conversations

Scheduling time to connect with your team can lead to meaningful conversations that allow you to connect with your team, learn about someone else’s position in the organization, and experiences. You many also learn insights from their role and vantage point within an organization.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO LEARN?

To prepare for an introductory conversation with someone on your team, it’s important to know what you want to learn from the time spent.

How does the person’s job function and priorities differ from yours? Note areas of overlap and areas of difference that could lead to collaboration opportunities.

Carefully consider function, level, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Preparing Questions

An effective conversation consists of questions prepared in advance, focused on learning more about the team member, their role, the organization, and how to best connect with the colleague. The table below provides starter prompts to plan your conversation.

Function

What do you like most/least about being a […]?

Who are your primary stakeholders?

Which teams and departments do you interact with most frequently?

What resources are available to be successful in your job?

TEAM/ORG

How does your work create or implement the organizational strategy?

How would you describe your department and institution’s culture?

What colleague characteristics are appreciated and rewarded?

What skill is most important in your department/institution?