Building Culture Through Connection

This is your Weekly Tea with ARG, and I am Angela Garmon, founder and CEO for ARG Coaching & Consulting Group, where we help you conquer change and cultivate results. 

Let's go ahead and get settled in and grounded as we talk about this leadership topic of culture.

 (You can listen to this Weekly Tea With ARG on the Spared Change Podcast.)

Organizational culture is driven by so much more than just a mission statement and company values. In fact, a rich culture is like a beautiful tapestry where every interaction reinforces the next. A great culture is a culture that is cultivated intentionally, and as a leader, you set the tone.

This week, I want to focus on an essential element of culture, which is connection. Because without connections, we end up with silos, burnt out, and the team may even feel transactional. Connection isn't just about relationships, it's about fostering trust, collaboration, and a shared purpose.

As we engage in this topic for the week, I want to ask you to reflect on three questions: 

1. When was the last time you truly connected with your team? I'm not just talking about sending emails or asking for updates on tasks.I mean truly connected. 

2. Are you modeling vulnerability and openness, creating a space where the team feels safe to share their ideas and their concerns? 

3. How does your team feel when they leave a meeting or interaction with you?Are they feeling energized and heard, or are they feeling overwhelmed and unheard? 

Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to work with the leadership team in the construction industry. The CEO had hired ARG because they were struggling with team cohesion. We conducted an organizational assessment that included interviews and surveys, and what the assessment revealed is that even though the team held titles, they didn't always feel like they were empowered to make decisions. In fact, we met for a couple of months before the team began to open up and create this vulnerable space for each other. It really took the CEO to reflect on her own leadership style and admit where she had misstepped.

This meant that she had to move beyond her ego and set it aside to build the culture that she envisioned. She had to first be vulnerable and create a space for her team to be vulnerable as well. In between our meetings, she began to connect with her team on a deeper level. She began to acknowledge their contribution. And what I saw over that time is that the team dynamics began to shift, creating this beautiful tapestry of culture that allowed the team to connect and build a culture of trust, collaboration, and yes, a shared purpose. 

Here is a powerful practice that you can try out this week: Be intentionally present. Whether you are in a one-on-one, in a team meeting, or even if you're having a hallway conversation, commit to showing up fully present. Put your phone away, make eye contact, and listen, not just to respond, but to understand. This will give you an opportunity to ask meaningful questions and engage on a deeper level. 

Connection happens in the moments, and those moments build culture.

Finally, remember that small gestures matter. Think about writing a handwritten note or celebrating those small wins or asking someone, how are you really feeling? These might seem extremely minor, but I promise you, it will create a ripple effect that will shape how your team shows up every single day.

This week, I invite you to pour yourself a cup of tea (or coffee), and think about how you show up as a leader who fosters connection. One small change will strengthen your culture, and it will create meaningful connections. 

Cheers to creating a beautiful tapestry of culture. Have a great week.

Weekly Tea with ARG is a weekly reflection designed to inspire leaders to build intentional, values-driven culture through actionable insights and thoughtful practices.

If you are looking for support to strengthen your company's culture or build team resilience, reach out to us at ARG Coaching & Consulting Group, we are here to help your team conquer change and cultivate results.