Welcome to issue 16 of Getting Teamwork Right.

Think about the best boss you ever had. Chances are they knew you. Not just your job title and your targets, but what you cared about and what you were hoping for next.

That is what this issue is about. Getting to know the people on your team is one of the simplest things a leader can do, and one of the first to slip when the diary fills up. In the first article I look at why it matters, with four easy ways to start this week. In the second I turn to one-to-ones, and why "How are you?" is not the best way to begin one. There are some better questions you can try in your very next conversation.

You will also find a short video, this fortnight's Top Team Tip, and a few links worth your time.

One small thing to mention. You will notice a partner link in this edition, which means I may earn a small amount if you click, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I genuinely use myself or believe will be useful to you. If I would not use it, it does not go in.

If any of this sparks something in your own team, hit reply and tell me about it. I would love to hear how it goes.

Stop Opening with "How Are You?"

Try this at your next one-to-one. Skip "How are you?" It is a reflex, and it gets a reflex back: "Fine, thanks." Then everyone moves on to the task list and the moment has gone.

Ask something more specific that is easy to answer honestly:

• "What has been the best part of your week so far?"
• "What has been taking up most of your headspace lately?"
• "Is there anything from this week you have not had the chance to talk through?"

Then stop talking and wait. The pause is where the real answer lives. Questions like these tell you far more than a status update ever will, because they show the person you are interested in them, not just their output.

If you would like more, including questions for understanding their work and finding out how you can help, both articles are just below.

Why Getting to Know Your Team Members Is a Leadership Superpower

The best leaders know the people they lead. This piece looks at why that matters, and gives you four simple ways to start this week.

The Power of Individual Conversations: One-to-Ones That Actually Work

A simple structure for your one-to-ones, why to skip "How are you?", and plenty of better questions to try in your next conversation.

Top Teamwork Tips: Avoid Anonymity

A short video on why being anonymous to the people you lead holds a team back, and what to do about it.

Try This With Your Team This Week

Learn one new thing about each person on your team that has nothing to do with work. Ask about it in a relaxed moment, write it down afterwards, and bring it up the next time you speak. It takes a few minutes, and it shows you were listening.

Ask Andy

Do you have a question that I can help you with? Send it to me on the link below and I will answer it. I'd like to publish one answer every fortnight – so that any readers with a similar concern can benefit. I will ask if you are OK for me to use your question, and I will make you and your situation anonymous before I share it.

Book a Call

If you want to find out more about how we could help your team or organisation, I'd love to hear from you. You can book a Microsoft Teams call with me here: