OTL Newsletter - How a 5-Minute Call Can Reduce Your Team’s Stress

Observation 🧐

How to strengthen your relationship with your team (without spending a dime) 

Making genuine connections with your team is tougher than ever. Email, Slack, and virtual meetings help us stay in touch, but they don't foster deep meaningful relationships. It’s easy to miss the subtle cues and body language that help you understand what’s really going on with your team.

And while these digital tools have their place, they lack one essential element: the power of voice.

A 2012 study published in Evolution and Human Behavior explains why speaking with someone directly—hearing their voice—is so critical for building real connections. According to the research, hearing someone's voice reduces our stress levels and boosts oxytocin, the hormone responsible for bonding and trust. These hormones make us feel good and connected in a way that texts and messages just can’t.

But despite this, many leaders still rely on the "fast" and "efficient" digital tools, missing out on the deeper connection that a simple phone call can create.

Why This Matters

The importance of building rapport goes beyond just "getting along" with your team. Stronger relationships create:

• Higher Productivity: Engaged teams are more motivated to give their best performance.
• Better Retention: Employees who feel connected to their managers are less likely to leave, saving you the high cost of turnover.
• More Effective Problem Solving: When people feel comfortable and supported, they’re more likely to share challenges, which leads to faster resolutions.

The research also shows that when employees feel heard, they are significantly more engaged and motivated. Feeling connected to a trusted individual can drastically lower their stress and help them focus on the work that matters.

Digital Communication isn’t enough. 

Here’s the thing: a lot of sales leaders think they’re doing enough by firing off quick messages or scheduling endless virtual meetings. But these methods often lack the emotional depth needed to foster trust.

• Instant Messages: Texts and emails are easy, but they don’t convey tone, intent, or warmth. Messages can be misinterpreted, leading to feelings of uncertainty or disconnection.
• Video Calls: While helpful, these still feel like formal meetings. If every conversation is scheduled, it can start to feel more like work and less like a real connection.
• Team-Building Exercises: These can be useful, but they often feel like forced fun and can be costly, especially if they don’t integrate into the regular flow of work.

These solutions often fail because they don't create the same emotional impact as a voice-to-voice conversation. What your team needs is the connection that only comes when you pick up the phone.

The power of voice:

When you pick up the phone, something “magical” happens. 

• Spontaneity Builds Authenticity: There’s no agenda, no scheduled time—just a simple "Hey, how’s it going?" It’s natural and not forced. It’s like a virtual version of stopping by someone’s desk.
• Voice Creates Connection: As the Evolution and Human Behavior study notes, hearing someone's voice releases oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone that’s linked to trust and bonding. It’s something digital communication just can’t match. Your voice demands more focus, making the conversation richer and more meaningful.
• Building Trust: These calls give your team space to share what’s going on in their world—whether it’s successes or struggles. And because they know you're not calling to micromanage, they’re more likely to be open and honest.
• Stress Reduction: The study highlights that voice-to-voice interaction reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and strengthens relationships. A simple phone call doesn’t just help you connect—it helps reduce your team’s stress, allowing them to focus on the work at hand.

Here’s how you can start using the power of voice to connect with your team:

• No agenda: Just call them. No need to overthink it. You don’t need a meeting; just ask how they’re doing.
• Pick a time that feels right: Friday afternoons are great for reflecting on the week, but whenever works for you!
• Be genuine: Don’t make it about a task. Just check in and see how they’re feeling.
• Offer space for them to share: Try saying something like, “I just wanted to see how your week is going. Anything on your mind?”

Over time, you’ll notice a shift. Your team will come to expect and appreciate these calls. And they’ll know it’s not about micromanaging—it’s about staying connected.

When you pick up the phone, you’re not just making a call—you’re building a bridge to a stronger relationship. Research backs it up. Your voice is a powerful tool for lowering stress and building trust.

Thought Starter  🤔

Have you ever said “it’s so nice to hear your voice!” to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while? 

Our brains are wired for voice.

Hearing the voices of others helps us solve problems and demands a different level of attention from both parties than texting. 

So, next time you're tempted to send another message or schedule another video call, try something different. Pick up the phone, check in, and let the oxytocin flow!

Love 🥰

My youngest child is deaf and has been attending speech therapy for many years. One thing I have done is create voice notes to capture her speech. At first, this served a functional purpose, I captured articulation of words to share with the Speech Therapist. 

Now, I am so grateful I have voice notes I can listen to from when she was much younger. Hearing the sound of her voice evokes so much emotion and transports me back to her younger years. Truly priceless. 🎤