Leaders and their teams are returning to the office, being together again.
There are distinct benefits for teams to meet in person, beyond the general advantages of face-to-face interaction:
- Stronger Relationship Building – Personal connections between leaders and team members deepen more readily through shared physical experiences – whether it’s grabbing coffee, walking to another meeting, or simply being present during informal moments. Rapport and trust are built more quickly.
- Cultural Reinforcement – Leaders can more effectively encourage team dialogue, and model company values and culture, through their physical presence, body language, and informal interactions throughout the day.
- Better Reading of Team Dynamics – Subtle team interactions, power dynamics, and group chemistry that might be invisible in virtual settings are more apparent in person. Leaders can better observe and address who’s disengaged, who’s dominating conversations, or where tensions exist, enabling them to strengthen team collaboration and commitment.
- More Effective ‘Difficult’ Conversations – Delivering tough feedback, addressing performance issues, or having sensitive discussions is generally more effective and humane in person because empathy and understanding are more visible. The leader can better gauge reactions and provide immediate counsel or support.
- Crisis Management – During challenging times, a leader’s physical presence can be reassuring to teams, helping to maintain morale and focus in ways that virtual check-ins cannot match.
- Mentoring and Development – Coaching conversations and professional development discussions tend to be more impactful in person, where leaders can discover subtle cues about a team member’s motivations and needs.
- Enhanced Leadership Presence – In person, leaders can establish a stronger presence and gravitas with their teams. Physical presence carries weight that’s difficult to replicate virtually, making it easier to capture attention and convey importance.
The impact of face-to-face team meetings is strong for relationship-building, culture development, complex discussions, and creative work where human connection and nuanced communication matter most. For leaders, the investment in face-to-face meetings often pays outsized dividends in team engagement, loyalty, and performance.
How often are you and your team meeting in-person?