Stop doing team-building exercises. Seriously.

Every human being has a powerful need to belong. We want to be part of something larger than ourselves. We want to know that we matter to other people. We want connection, acceptance, and a sense of community.

But we also need to be able to think for ourselves.

Healthy organizations require both individuality and togetherness. Togetherness without individuality becomes conformity, but individuality without togetherness becomes isolation. The goal isn't to choose between them. The goal is to develop people who can stay connected without losing themselves.

Here's how: