Knock, Knock… “You Got a Minute?”

By DB Bedford

If you’ve ever led a team, you know this moment well.

You’re in the middle of something—emails, a deadline, a meeting prep—and then you hear it.

"Hey boss, you got a minute?"

And in that instant, a million thoughts race through your head.

• Is this urgent, or can it wait?
• Am I about to walk into a problem I didn’t see coming?
• Do I actually have a minute to spare?
• How deep is this conversation really about to go?

Because let’s be honest—that “minute” is never just a minute.

For the person knocking on your door, it’s not just a casual question. It’s a request for access. They’ve been thinking about what they need to say, hoping for the right moment, and wondering if you’ll really be available—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

And how you handle this moment? That makes all the difference.

The Weight Behind "Got a Minute?"

These conversations may not be on your calendar, but they shape workplace culture more than any official meeting ever could.

Because here’s what’s happening under the surface:

• If you seem rushed or distracted, they walk away feeling unimportant.
• If you react with frustration, they hesitate to come to you again.
• If you dismiss their concern, they bottle it up until it becomes a bigger issue.
• But if you handle it with intention, they leave feeling valued, heard, and empowered.

People remember how you make them feel. Not just in the big moments, but in the small ones too.

Leading with Emotional Intelligence

The best leaders aren’t just great decision-makers—they’re masters of emotional intelligence.

Because leadership isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you show up in those everyday interactions.

Here’s how emotionally intelligent leaders navigate those “got a minute?” moments:

1. Read the Emotional Climate

Before you respond, take a beat. What’s the energy behind their ask? Is it a casual check-in, a request for support, or a sign that something deeper is going on?

2. Pause Before Reacting

Even if you’re in the middle of something, take a second to reset. If your first instinct is frustration or impatience, check it. Your energy sets the tone.

3. Know When to Set Boundaries

Not every conversation can happen right now. If you truly don’t have time, be honest about it—but also be intentional. Instead of a dismissive “Not now,” try:

"I want to give this the attention it deserves. Can we talk in 30 minutes?"

That small shift tells them they matter while still protecting your own time.

4. Make Every Interaction Add Value

Even if it’s a short chat, make sure they leave with something—whether it’s reassurance, direction, or a next step. Don’t let them walk away feeling like they wasted their time or yours.

5. Build a Culture of Psychological Safety

If your team doesn’t feel comfortable knocking on your door, they’re going to hold things in until they explode—or worse, they’ll take their concerns somewhere else. Emotionally intelligent leadership creates space for real conversations.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

The old-school mindset of “leave your emotions at the door” is dead.

The workplace of the future isn’t about micromanaging productivity—it’s about leading with emotional intelligence. It’s about knowing that every interaction—big or small—shapes trust, engagement, and culture.

At Ei365, we train leaders to navigate these moments with clarity, emotional awareness, and strategic empathy. Because at the end of the day, leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating the space for the right conversations.

So, next time you hear that knock at the door and that familiar question—"You got a minute?"—how will you show up?

Let’s Talk. https://calendly.com/thesalesgrowthcoach/thesalesgrowthcoach-jf

Want to master these leadership skills? Book a session with Ei365 today. Because the way you handle conversations today will define your leadership tomorrow.