When did you last take (or make) the time to sit one-on-one with the members of your team? I had the pleasure of doing this recently, inviting managers to share updates on how they feel personally, mentally, physically, family wellbeing and their challenges and successes at work. They shared ambitions for the future and gave insights into what is working (and not working) in their world.

As a business grows, reporting layers often sprout up between leadership and the team, taking us away from those early startup days when the company feels more like a family – close, connected and committed. So for me it’s really a great pleasure to be able to connect in this way.

This series of meetings reminded me just how remarkable the people in my team are, and how lucky we are to work together. The relaxed conversations also provided important highlights on gaps in our processes that need to be bridged, a better sense of where our strengths lie and confidence in the road ahead.

I also hope that the time together allowed each person to feel seen, heard and appreciated; for a meaningful work is surely a place where we feel cared for and connected.

The reminder this week is to connect with the people in your team so that you can be reminded of their value and get a feeling for the highs and lows they are experiencing.