How Approachable Are You?

You work hard to be the best leader that you can be... But do you sometimes feel that your people may be ever so slightly scared of you?

If your team feels unable to approach you, it may hide problems, and you'll fail to identify issues or miss ideas for improvement.

The good news is that you can break down barriers and build trust by developing the four attributes of approachability:

1. Be Visible and Look Available.
Make a determined, genuine effort to talk to and understand your team members.

2. Listen Well and Engage.
Listen actively to your team members, use your eyes and your ears, and give them your full attention, in person and in virtual meetings.

3. Communicate.
Give more positive than negative feedback, acknowledge ideas, and give credit where it's due. Be measured and fair in your response to bad news.

4. Watch Your Body Language.
Be aware of how you hold yourself, smile more, unfold your arms, and speak slowly in a moderate to low tone.

When you take these steps you'll break down physical barriers, reduce the power distance between you and your team, and keep lines of communication open.


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