How Fun Builds Trust and Teams That Stick Together
What if the secret to building trust and connection on your team wasn’t another meeting, but more laughter?
Leaders often struggle to help their teams thrive under pressure — tight deadlines, high stakes, or challenging dynamics can make it hard for people to stick together.
Building connection can feel abstract, but the path is often surprisingly simple: create fun, shared experiences.
But resilience isn’t only built in executing work. Resilience is built in moments of connection that often look a lot like fun.
And sometimes it may mean getting out of your comfort zone — like me!
The Activity I dreaded
I learned this during a rafting trip I didn’t even want to go on. Water and I have never been a good match, so when my team suggested it, I wasn’t thrilled.
But I went along.
As the raft hit rapids, chaos erupted. A teammate launched into the air and into the river, and came up laughing hysterically. Unexpectedly, another jumped in on purpose. Soon everyone was laughing — even me!
Later, when we faced high-pressure situations at work, those memories carried us.
We had already practiced sticking together.
Fun became the glue that held us through stress.
The spectrum of fun at work
Fun works because it builds culture.
It breaks down walls, strengthens trust, and makes teams feel safe. And safety fuels connection.
Without it, pressure pushes people apart. With it, pressure pulls people closer.
Think of fun as a spectrum.
On one end are small, spontaneous moments that take little effort but spark instant energy.
On the other are planned events that require coordination but create lasting impact.
Both matter, and both shape how teams respond when challenges come.
Practical ways to Create connection
The good news is that fun doesn’t need a big budget or elaborate plans. Here are a few examples:
Surprise your team with coffee or treats after a tough deadline.
Celebrate small wins with a playful twist.
Host a game or trivia session.
Plan an outdoor adventure or a simple picnic.
Volunteer together for a cause.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. Even small inside jokes or spontaneous laughter during the day matter!
What counts is that people feel connected, included, and part of something bigger than themselves.
Fun is a momentum-builder and creates the glue that helps teams stay cohesive through stress and trials. So, consider how you can sprinkle in some fun in spontaneous and regular ways.
Ready to build a culture that sticks?
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