3 ways leaders can connect with their teams

In my 36 years with Progressive, I've witnessed an incredible evolution in the corporate world. But not in the way most people think. Yes, marketplace trends have come and gone. Technological advancements have changed the way we do business. But the most profound difference is the vital role connecting with others now plays in creating a strong company culture.

On the surface, this may not seem revolutionary. However, as a leader in Progressive's Commercial Lines division, I've experienced firsthand how developing deep connections can transform a company. It improves collaboration, boosts retention, and contributes to success in the marketplace. This can be achieved not solely by a leader, but by anyone who is willing to demonstrate a genuine concern for others and make an effort to connect with them.

Here are three practical ways leaders can better connect with their teams.

Be intentional

A common tip for leaders has been to make sure you're visible. It wasn't always easy to put yourself out there. But if you always stayed in your office, you weren't connecting with your team.

This principle is still true today, even in a hybrid/remote world. We must be intentional about "getting out of the office" and connecting with others. Start by setting a goal of, say, four to five connections a week. It doesn't have to be anything scheduled; just intentional time devoted to getting to know your coworkers. In time, these purposeful actions will become more natural.

Create community, one interaction at time

As leaders, we might think we must plan big activities to create community. But it's really the little moments of personal connection that matter most. That's because those little moments make people feel seen.

If a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, then the process of building community begins with a single interaction. So, start today. Greet everyone individually when you're in a team meeting. Send someone a personal message when they celebrate a milestone. Ask if a person has a minute to meet instead of sending them an email. A little bit of intentional connection goes a long way.

Focus on engagement

In today's world, fostering a workplace where every individual feels valued and understood is more critical than ever. It's not just about recognizing someone's professional achievements—it's about engaging with people and learning about their experiences, emotions, and aspirations as individuals. The easiest way to do this is by asking meaningful questions that go beyond "How's it going?"

For example, I ask about people's interests, background, and motivations (to name a few). These types of questions invite people to share more about what truly matters to them, which in turn fosters deeper connection and understanding.

But it's not enough to ask questions; you must listen with intent. This means pausing to reflect on what people say before responding, asking follow-up questions, and acknowledging their feelings. Doing these things will show others you're truly interested in getting to know your coworkers.

These days, companies are struggling to keep employees engaged. But that doesn't seem to be the case for Progressive. I think that's due, in part, to a recognition that our strength lies in the depth of our connections. This strength has allowed us to innovate, grow, and face challenges with resilience. That's because we know we are not just a team of employees—we're a community of individuals with rich backgrounds and stories. And together, we make Progressive a great company.

Learn more about our vibrant company by visiting Progressive's culture page. And if you're interested in joining Progressive, check out our job listings and explore our available positions.