Art Sponseller, JD, PCC, Senior Executive Coach, www.artsponseller.com
Reflecting on the most effective teams I’ve led or been part of, one consistent thread stands out: shared meals. Eating together fosters trust and collaboration in ways few activities can match.
Take firefighters—an iconic example. Between emergencies, they cook and eat as a unit. Eating together creates strong bonds. It translates to seamless teamwork under pressure. It’s no coincidence. Sharing a meal is a universal human experience. It is rooted in our earliest group: the family. The dining table is where we first learn connection, and it remains a bonding ritual throughout life.
Team conversations over food blend the personal and professional, creating a powerful mix. A teammate’s story about their weekend or a lighthearted debate reveals character and builds rapport. This isn’t just feel-good fluff—trust, collaboration, and psychological safety forged over meals fuels strong communication and cohesion. Only a strong team can create outstanding results.
The key? Keep it organic. Forced “team-building meals” flop—authenticity matters. Meals aren’t just sustenance; they’re a catalyst for stronger, more unified teams. Effective leaders use every opportunity to build trust and relationships. Give breaking bread a try. Start with something small and low risk, and build from there. You will build something great together.
