Are You An Approachable Leader?

Of course there is natural barrier between a leader and the people that they supervise. Simply being?'Too Busy' or even having a less than gregarious demeanor can quickly give off the impression of that you are 'Unapproachable'. This perception can be especially?prevalent?for a?new leader.?As a new leader you are learning your role, people,?processes, etc... The last thing you need is to be seen as?aloof, arrogant, or as somebody that just doesn't care about the?concerns of others. When that certainly isn't the case.?For the new leader, your team can be your best teacher, provided you let them.?When others feel that you are 'Hard to Read,' they hesitate to approach you, which can significantly delay building the critical networks and collaboration, that are so essential?to?achieving success. Open lines of individual communication is so much more important than scheduled personnel?meetings. I am not saying that staff meetings are not necessary, they certainly are; but, they do not earn?the?trust of the singular team members.?The trust of the individuals will help you get the support?needed to?leverage?the collective talent of your entire organization.?

BE A MORE APPROACHABLE LEADER IN 4 EASY STEPS:

OPEN THE DOOR

There are times?when you need to shut your office door to ensure privacy when something?confidential is being discussed. Except for those moments, your door needs to be open. If your door is closed more than it is open, you are creating a barricade between you and your staff. Of course an open office door is an invitation to more distractions. The occasional interruption of a visitor?stopping by to talk about last night's game, is far better than running the risk on alienating?your team.

WALK THE FARM

Simply stepping outside your office on a regular basis will automatically?increase your daily interactions with your people.??Your folks?want to see you.?When you are in the office, you need to walk the floor an absolute minimum of once a day. If?you are around your people more, you will get a better handle on morale, learn more about their struggles and see their victories.?This will help you identify areas of focus, not only for improvement; but, also?investment.?'Walking the Farm'?is the favorite part of my job. On days when my schedule just doesn't allow me to, the next time I do, I am always asked,?"Where have you been?" -?And I tell them.

BE REAL

You don't have to be so guarded. Let your staff get to know you. Share more about yourself.?- Personal stuff, keep it light and conversational. Allowing people to get to know you, will help them understand you. You don't have to become?BFFs; but, people do not?trust people that they do not know. It's as simple as that. If this is new to you, don't be intrusive and creepy. That will?just freak people out. Start with something simple, like sharing a couple of your?vacation pictures or maybe talking to your people about the weekend.?It will make a difference.

HOW AM I DOING?

Take the first step by using the catch-phrase that former NYC Mayor Ed Koch made famous. Ask your direct reports their opinion about how they think things are going??Skip your regulars and get some input?from the people you hear from less frequently. Ask your newbies as well as your most vocal employees.?--?This will not only help build trust; but, will definitely broaden your perspective and increase your self awareness.?Let them know why you're asking, let them know that you value their opinion and explain how their input will help you shape the organization.

There you go.... You can call it Warm & Fuzzy or Emotional Intelligence;?but,?fostering?a positive environment of trust and openness builds a better business, period.?The sad reality for the "Unapproachable Leader" is that they only know what their people either want them to know or what their people think they should know. This puts them, their team, and their business at risk.... Managers who are approachable will not only learn?about issues before they evolve into a full blown crisis; but, are also able to identify and capitalize on opportunities much faster.??

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Post a comment below and let me know your thoughts. -- If you liked it, please share it with a friend, family member, or colleague.

Are you a first time manager??CLICK HERE?- To read my article about your new, exciting?and terrifying reality.