Team huddle: A weekly moment for connection and effectiveness in your team

What is a team huddle?

Creating a fixed rhythm is essential for a well-functioning team. A team huddle, a weekly meeting where team members meet live or online, helps with this. Our business transformation team meets every Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m. Whether you're physically in the office or participating via Teams, we encourage everyone to participate and contribute to the collective dynamic.

Why did we introduce the team huddle?

As an interim team captain, replacing a colleague on maternity leave, I wanted to gain insight into the dynamics within the team. What I discovered was a strong need for more connectivity within our consultancy organization. Although the work mainly takes place at the customer's premises, regular contact with your own team is essential to really feel like a team member. A huddle is an easy way to strengthen this connection.

The effectiveness of team huddles

Team huddles are effective because they are simple and practical. Without regular communication, you miss the opportunity to think together and solve problems together. Trust and connection arise when you see and know each other. A huddle is simply an appointment to meet regularly and find out about what's on everyone's mind.

How do you start a team huddle?

Start simple and don't make it too complicated. We started with a format based on the Rockefeller Habits, a method that has been used within our company for some time. It is similar to a day or week start and we do this on Tuesday, so that most people are back to work and you can prepare well for the week.

I have put three concrete tips on paper so that you can start tomorrow, so to speak.

Three concrete tips for a successful huddle

1. Tight agenda: Provide a clear structure to ensure efficiency and prevent it from being a pleasant chat. Our agenda includes:

• A number for your personal thermometer (how you're feeling).

• A number for the team thermometer (quality of cooperation).

• Share good news to encourage a positive mindset.

• Discuss your “Big Three” goals for the week.

• Name crashes that you can use help with.

2. Preparation: Make sure everyone answers the questions before the huddle starts. This prevents a tea party and ensures focus. Pre-post the answers in a Teams post so everyone can read along.

3. Discipl: Consistency is key. Explain regularly why you do the huddle and make sure everyone understands its importance. This increases the chance of high attendance and engagement.

_{The Big Three and personal leadership}

A lack of focus and connection are often the biggest obstacles within teams. By discussing the Big Three (three main goals for the week), you promote personal leadership and ensure a shared focus. Especially in consultancy, where you are inclined to always help the customer, it is also essential to keep your own goals in mind.

Create a connection within your organization

A team huddle is an effective way to promote collaboration and connectedness within your team. The secret lies in simplicity, consistency and a sleek structure. By applying these principles, you build a team that not only focuses on the customer, but also develops a strong relationship between them.

Together with our consultants, introduce the team huddle to your team. Please contact Hans Borkent at [email protected] or +31 (0) 6 4600 3171. He would be happy to tell you more about our business transformation and Agile coaching services.

For more information, see inn-spiratie.nl.