Team Archives - Rocket Station Careers

Why community empowerment can push you the right way

Rocket Station
February 8, 2021
2:00 pm
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When was the last time you felt emboldened by a crowd of people who spoke up against injustice? When was the last time you experienced being part of a movement where people gathered to meet an intended goal? Or maybe you pursued a passion or expertise simply because you saw your peers do it.

Today, we see the impact of community in humongous proportions. One amazing example is the #MeToo movement where women mobilized together and formed a community—neigh, a sisterhood, to challenge perpetrators of harassment and hold them accountable.

Another example can be seen in the rise of businesses in the Philippines due to stifled job opportunities and scarcity of work during the pandemic. People were emboldened to put up start-ups and become entrepreneurs for the first time because they saw that others were doing it, and as a result, they felt empowered and strengthened to do the same.

This is how the magic of community works in the Rocketeer’s playbook:

When people around you see you go for something with confidence and vitality, they think to themselves, “maybe I can do it too.” Their proximity to you makes what you do more impactful and real. You can redefine the standard and the expectations set in your network by going for something with grit and courage.

I know someone who went copywriting with no business background because her peers did it. I know people who capitalize in investing in small time start-ups just because they lived in a city that believed in taking risks. Some people leave their stable jobs because they see their friends living their lives putting up their own businesses.

This is the empowered community effect.

Imagine being part of an amazing community that has this effect on people? Imagine moving with like-minded individuals towards the same goal whilst having the same core values? Communities can affect change, shape optimism, and bring out courage from others. It makes people feel more one with themselves and others and it gets them involved.

Another aspect of being part of a community is the support you get when things do not go according to plan. You are surrounded by people who understand the journey. They usually see clearly how they can help bring you to solutions.

Comedian Ali Wong said in one of her skits that when she became a mother for the first time, she needed to join a mommy’s support group to feel connected with people who can help her through the early stages of motherhood. She did this because she understands the power of community.

So whether you feel like you are already part of a community, or are looking to join something new, here are some tips to find yourself a place where you can build connections.

Go to networking events.

As a social-introvert, I always preferred controlled environments versus large crowds and that helped me find places and communities that were right for me. I wanted to make more friends and develop my artistic interests with people who knew how. So, I joined events that had themes to them such as happenings that delved into strangers meeting and discussing over a deck of question cards. I’d go to book expos and bond over book recommendations. I veer into the worldwide web and find companies such as Rocket Station and try to get into their online forums. Wherever you choose to network, make sure it’s at a time and place where you feel your interests are most acknowledged and put to light.

Be curious.

Let go of those biases and approach looking for a community as if you were discovering a new place. Listen to what people have to say. Observe the energy in the room. Talk about the things that matter to you and see if they catch on. If bravery is not at your disposal, then use curiosity. It is less frightening and more forgiving, because not everyone has the courage (yet) to go forth and be part of a bigger community, but at least we all can be curious about it.

Find a community that resonates with you.

Do not settle for less just because you need support. It is crucial that you find people or an organization that you connect with at a level where you can experience growth.

This February, Rocket Station focuses on building and nurturing relationships. We offer you the chance to be part of our growing community where we discuss all things on careers, health and wellness, finance and leadership. Join our newsletter and have full access to all our blogs and articles.

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5 ways to bond with your remote team

Rocket Station
February 1, 2021
3:09 pm
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Who knew that years into the future we would face a life-threatening pandemic? Suddenly, everything we know changed drastically, and yes; this includes the way we work too. The threat of the COVID-19 virus has almost every company investing in a work from home set-up. While many have spear -headed the movement by applying virtual workspaces, developing remote work tasks, and setting up online meeting protocols; it still does not change the fact that bonding with team members has taken a distant turn.

A study released in 2007 states that while working from home can increase a sense of autonomy and boost overall work performance, its main challenge is bringing the team closer to work on overall tasks together. The detachment ram real life work culture can cause individuals to feel excluded, feel like there is favoritism, or in extreme cases, that their colleagues are conspiring to work against their intended goal. Developing this can cause festering of negative emotions and loss of teamwork, the presence of which is crucial in meeting deadlines and in achieving overall project success.

To prevent this from happening, Rocket Station believes it is important to develop regular team building activities. Monthly team building efforts are necessary in establishing a positive team culture. The importance in building a cohesively integrated network in the team is vital for overall team satisfaction. It aids in alleviating the negative interpersonal effects and intends to fully develop relationships that are profound and meaningful.

So how do we keep things lively and unique while building substantial relationships within the team on a monthly basis? Team managers are more likely to scratch their heads thinking of ways to keep the team engaged versus getting them together. In the age of the internet and hyperstimulation, the online environment becomes exceedingly difficult to work up for over -worked adults. Luckily for you, we have listed the five more exciting activities you can use to amplify your religious team bonding in a way that is not just motivating but also meaningful.

Provide an environment to share similar interests.

Creating a channel separate from work, where team members can just share what they are reading, watching, or debating about can make people feel a sense of oneness. Focusing on where we are similar versus where we are different makes people believe that they are in an environment where they can freely share what they like. Some companies have introduced Slack as one of their main platforms in establishing remote work culture. Other companies turn to Facebook and other social media platforms to develop this necessary area of team bonding.

Have the team discuss a shared topic.

An interesting activity would be asking team members to watch a movie, start reading a book, an article, watch a documentary or a TED talk and have them discuss freely during team building meetings what they think. This establishes closeness by hearing what other people have to say outside of issues involving work.

Prepare Ice Breaker Questions and use Question Card Decks.

You can also generate a question for the day that entices thought provoking answers or just a simple icebreaker question such as: “Are you a coffee or tea kind of person? If neither, why not?”. This provides an opportunity for people who want to connect but do not know how to connect, start conversations. We encourage the use of question decks that stimulate conversations. These decks are more often created to start conversations and develop relationships. Once the team members get into the flow of the card game, the rest of the conversations are up to them. Being able to share and gather knowledge about teammates not only humanizes them it also helps us see where we all are alike.

Do online co-op games of any nature.

Try working as a team in achieving an intended goal in online games. Someteams can choose to play in sports games or a team bingo game where prizes can be split among the winning group. This builds the value of trust and reliance in your team without placing the element of work. How can we best apply this? Set a “play time”, whether during break time or during team building activities and make sure to have everyone’s investment in the game. When the game is done don’t stop there! Discuss this in team chatting channels and plot your next big goal.

Have a shared meal online.

Ah, this can be one of the most accessible and easiest things you can do to bolster a psychological sense of oneness. Remotely, this is doable by ordering the same take-out meal the team will agree upon and have everyone eat this during the set team building. Studies have shown that having people eat the same meal can make this group feel closer. It is mainly subconscious and psychological. Shankar Vedantam, a social scientist, chimes in during a podcast, and says that the more people eat the same kind of food the more it increases agreeability of the relationship. Food can shape trust and cooperation, especially if you eat the same kind of dish. The commonality in all these strategies is seeking human connection and the similarities we all share. While working from home may pose as a beneficial set-up today, it does not discount the challenges. This February, Rocket Station sees the value in every relationship that is built. We seek to be part of a community that seeks to capitalize on human connection and the enhancement of lives. The online community platform is an amazing tool where like minded people can break bread together, talk about things that matter and engage in meaningful conversations.