There’s a card game that draws colleagues together and brings levity in the workplace? We’re in!
In this episode, we talk with author and Executive Breakthroughs Podcast host Jason Treu to talk about building rapport at work.
You can download Cards Against Mundanity for free here.
The Magic of Vulnerability: Building Psychological Safety
Jason introduced Cards Against Mundanity, a game designed to cultivate deeper connections by encouraging players to answer vulnerable, thought-provoking questions like:
- What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned this year and why?
- If you had to thank one person for helping you become who you are today, who would it be and why?
This game has been tested with over 40,000 people across various settings, including corporate teams and even conflict resolution workshops. Jason’s findings? Vulnerability creates bonds that go beyond surface-level connections. When shared in group settings, these moments simulate the closeness of an inner circle.
Key Takeaway: Vulnerability is a gateway to trust. By allowing individuals to share their authentic selves, you create an environment of mutual respect and psychological safety.
Why Does It Work?
Jason’s game is rooted in the research of Dr. Arthur Aron, whose studies in 1996 revealed that asking vulnerable questions could foster deep interpersonal closeness. Aron’s study showed that 30% of participants reported forming the closest relationship of their lives after a 45-minute session with a stranger. Jason adapted this concept for group settings, scaling it for corporate environments with powerful results.
The Benefits:
- Deeper Trust: Participants feel heard and valued, fostering mutual respect.
- Shared Understanding: Recognizing commonalities helps dissolve preconceived biases.
- Improved Collaboration: Stronger relationships lead to better teamwork and communication.
How to Facilitate Vulnerability in Teams
Jason shared practical tips for leaders or facilitators looking to use Cards Against Mundanity:
- Set Ground Rules: Create an atmosphere of confidentiality and non-judgment.
- Normalize Sharing: Everyone answers the same question, creating an equal playing field.
- Start Small: Use groups of 8–12 for optimal engagement.
- Model Vulnerability: Leaders should share first to set the tone for openness.
The Role of Empathy in Leadership
Jason emphasized that empathy is now one of the most critical soft skills for leaders. With teams increasingly working remotely and grappling with uncertainty, leaders must adopt a Chief Empathy Officer mindset. This involves:
- Understanding Individual Needs: Checking in with team members about their well-being.
- Active Listening: Being fully present and engaged during conversations.
- Building Inclusion: Ensuring every voice feels heard and valued.
Play in the Workplace: Not Just for Fun
As the creator of a game that blends play and vulnerability, Jason believes in the power of levity in the workplace. Play fosters connection, reduces stress, and creates a culture of creativity and resilience. He shared examples like a client who used a dunk tank with executives to raise money for charity, turning a work event into a memorable bonding experience.
Why Play Matters:
- Encourages creativity.
- Reduces burnout.
- Builds stronger, happier teams.
Adapting to Today’s Challenges
Jason outlined some of the biggest challenges facing leaders today:
- Remote Teams: Maintaining connection and engagement without physical proximity.
- Rapid Skill Development: Keeping pace with evolving job requirements, particularly in soft skills.
- Uncertainty and Change: Navigating unpredictable circumstances with agility and resilience.
- Burnout: Managing workloads and providing employees with time to recharge.
Jason’s Closing Advice: Reassess and Realign
Jason urged listeners to take this time to reflect on their purpose, values, and goals. The challenges of recent years have prompted many to question their career paths and consider what truly matters. His advice? Stay intentional and use tools like Cards Against Mundanity to build meaningful connections that drive personal and professional growth.
About Jason Treu
CEOs, senior-level executives, managers, and employees call me their strategic advantage. I’m a combination of a team building expert, Chief People Officer, organizational psychologist, and a high-performance trainer.
I’m highly effective at maximizing performance, building great teams, training managers to perform in the top 1% and helping employees make a significant impact in their roles. Clients also work with me for conflict resolution and employee engagement.
My zone of genius lies in helping successful individuals reach that even higher level. I’m even better when it comes to teams and entire organizations.
