Discussing Non-Work Topics to Build Personal Connection

Welcome to your journey in Building Personal Connections With Your Team. As a finance manager, you play a key role in shaping your team’s culture and engagement. In this unit, you’ll discover how to foster trust and collaboration by connecting with your team members as individuals, not just colleagues. You’ll explore practical ways to discuss non-work topics, check in on well-being, create a safe conversational space, and understand career aspirations. By the end, you’ll be equipped to build stronger relationships, boost morale, and drive better results together.

Connecting on a personal level starts with genuine curiosity and attention. When you observe and remember small personal details—like a team member’s recent move, their favorite weekend activity, or even how they’re balancing work during month-end close—you show that you care. For example, referencing something like "How are you settling into your new city?" or "Did you get a chance to relax after last week’s reporting deadline?" can immediately make a 1:1 feel warmer and more engaging.

Sharing something about yourself is equally powerful. It lowers barriers and encourages openness. For instance, as a finance manager, you might say, "I finally tried that new budgeting app over the weekend—turns out I still prefer my spreadsheets!" This invites your team member to share their own stories, making the conversation more balanced and authentic.

A practical technique you can use is to keep a simple “personal notes” section for each team member—jot down things they mention, like hobbies, family events, or recent challenges. Before each 1:1, review these notes and prepare a relevant, warm question or comment. This helps you tailor your questions to each individual and demonstrates that you’re truly listening. Instead of a generic "How was your weekend?", try "Did you get a chance to visit that new coffee shop you mentioned last week?" or "How did your daughter’s soccer game go?" This approach makes your interest feel personal and meaningful, rather than routine.

Here’s a realistic example of how these skills can play out in a 1:1 conversation for a finance manager:

• Natalie: Hi Chris! Before we dive in, I remember you mentioned you moved last month. How’s the new place treating you?
• Chris: Hey Natalie, thanks for asking! It’s been a bit of an adjustment, but I’m starting to feel at home.
• Natalie: That’s great to hear. I actually moved a couple of years ago myself, and it took me a while to find my favorite coffee spot. Have you found any good places nearby yet?
• Chris: Not yet, but I’ve been meaning to explore. Any recommendations?
• Natalie: Absolutely! There’s a little café called Bean & Leaf that I loved when I lived in your area. If you check it out, let me know what you think.

In this exchange, Natalie demonstrates genuine interest by referencing Chris’s recent move, shares a bit about her own experience, and tailors her questions to Chris’s situation. Notice how this approach makes the conversation feel warm and personal, setting a positive tone for the rest of the meeting.