How to Be More Approachable as a Leader: Protect the Person

There are several strategies to become more approachable as leaders, and today we will focus on two that centre on the issue of feedback: emphasizing problem-focused feedback rather than person-focused feedback and being open to feedback and criticism ourselves.??

When we’re providing feedback to our staff it’s crucial that, in order to not only have that feedback heard but maintain our relationship, we focus on the problem and not the person. This strategy emphasizes preserving the individual's dignity by separating the behaviour or issue at hand from the person. By avoiding personal attacks or blaming language, we create an environment where team members feel safe and psychologically intact, even when faced with critical feedback. This approach helps destigmatize problems, making people more open to learning and addressing issues collaboratively. We must maintain a supportive and constructive tone when addressing concerns, ensuring that the focus remains on finding solutions rather than criticizing the person.??

While we may be more accustomed to offering feedback, it is also important that leaders are also open to feedback and criticism from our teams and colleagues. Defensive or reactive responses to negative feedback simply hinder open communication, when in reality that feedback is invaluable for our own growth and development. Embracing feedback, even when it is challenging, fosters a culture of continuous improvement and transparency within our teams. Leaders who are open to acknowledging their mistakes or taking accountability when they’ve made a mistake demonstrate vulnerability, encouraging a similar openness among team members. This approach ultimately reduces unnecessary conflicts and stress within the workplace.??

The significance of leaders being open to feedback and maintaining a problem-focused approach in their communication cannot be overlooked. These strategies contribute to an approachable leadership style that encourages a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and open communication within the team, setting us up for success.?

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Stephen de Groot is President and CoFounder at Brivia. He is the author of Responsive Leadership (SAGE, 2016) and Getting to Better: A New Model for Elevating Human Potential at Work and in Life, (Spring 2024). To learn more about Stephen, his work and the Brivia approach click HERE.?