Culture Happens Between Meetings

Silos rise up all around us in our organizations. They have been built slowly over time, usually unintentionally, but with detrimental results. Teams don't have visibility on how they affect each other’s work. Tasks are done in isolation, information is left stranded between departments, and frustration is felt across teams and departments.

While strategy meetings and process changes have their role, some of the most effective fixes start on a very different level, one that is often overlooked.

A BBQ. A trivia board. A baby photo guessing game.

These may seem like lighthearted distractions, but they have the power to reconnect teams, rebuild trust, and break down barriers that formal systems have left untouched.

Why Socialization at Work Isn’t Just “Extra”

When people are known beyond their job titles, communication is improved, help is more freely offered, and collaboration is made easier across departments.

For many leaders, these connections can be strengthened not just through structure but through shared experience and informal moments of fun.

You may be surprised how much your team has in common with other teams. Misery loves company, but laughs are also best shared between friends. By creating opportunities to connect and find common ground with other leaders and teams, you are also giving people an icebreaker to start conversations.

From Guess-the-Baby to 5S Showdowns: Events That Actually Work

Creating connection does not require a large budget or a corporate retreat. These simple ideas can be introduced quickly and adapted to suit any team:

• Organization BBQs or Food Truck Fridays Meals are shared, and natural conversation is sparked.
• “Guess the Baby” Wall: Baby photos are displayed, and friendly guessing is encouraged. Leaders and team members become more human to one another.
• Two Truths and a Lie Board: Shared facts are posted weekly, and curiosity is encouraged.
• Speed Networking Across Departments: Rotations are timed, and real conversations are started. New understandings are built.
• “Who’s Most Likely To” Boards: Inside jokes are formed, and laughter is shared without forcing it.
• Staff Perk Days at Local Attractions: Time is spent together in a relaxed setting, and bonds are strengthened.
• 5S Competitions Between Departments: LEAN principles are applied in a fun, motivating way.
• Gamified Habit Challenges: Whether it is hydration, steps walked, or start times, small habits are built together.

The Leadership ROI of Fun

Even when fun cannot be measured directly on a spreadsheet, it impacts the bottom line.

• A University of Warwick study found that happy employees are 12 percent more productive.
• Gallup research shows companies with high employee engagement experience 23 percent higher profitability.
• A sense of connection on teams is associated with reduced burnout, lower absenteeism, and improved employee retention.

Team members who feel included and appreciated are more likely to stay, more willing to contribute, and more likely to collaborate outside their silos. Energy is boosted. Loyalty is earned. Outcomes are improved.

What You Can Do as a Middle Manager

You do not need to wait for approval from the top. Culture is built from every level, and middle managers are perfectly positioned to start the momentum

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Try a cross-departmental game. Start a shared whiteboard. Host a simple lunch or trivia board. The goal is not just fun; it is alignment, engagement, and trust.

The walls between departments were not built overnight. But they can be brought down, one shared laugh at a time.