Throughout my career, I’ve always believed that team meetings should be more than just a calendar obligation. If we’re going to spend time together, the team should walk away with clarity, energy, and a stronger sense of connection. Meetings are where strategy is reinforced, vision is aligned, and important issues like costs, priorities, and execution are discussed. But the true value of a great team meeting goes beyond the business agenda—it’s about building trust and relationships.
One of the most effective practices I introduced into my own team meetings was the concept of “Highs and Lows.” Every other Monday morning, before diving into the business, each member of the team would share one high point and one low point from the previous two weeks. On average, this took about 20 minutes, but the return on that investment was immense.
The stories ranged from family celebrations, new homes, and memorable vacations to moments of personal loss and struggle. What happened over time was remarkable: we began to see each other as more than just colleagues. We developed deeper respect, stronger empathy, and a sense of shared humanity. The team gelled on an entirely new level, and that personal connection carried directly into how we collaborated, supported one another, and pursued our collective goals.
In business, it’s easy to get caught up in numbers, deadlines, and deliverables. But great teams are built on relationships, not just results. By taking a few minutes to connect personally, you create an environment where people feel valued, understood, and committed—not just to the work, but to each other. That’s what transforms a group of individuals into a team capable of achieving extraordinary results.
If you lead a team, I encourage you to try incorporating “Highs and Lows” or a similar practice into your meetings. It might feel like a small change, but the impact on morale, trust, and performance is anything but small. In fact, it could be the very thing that takes your team to the next level.