Are You an Approachable Boss?

Posted December 10, 2019

If there is a personality-based divide between staff members and management, it can cause a breakdown of communication that may result in certain aspects of business not functioning correctly.

When workers don't feel they can communicate honestly and easily, they tend to feel unappreciated, and those who feel this way are less likely to be efficient and engaged staff members.

Enabling open communication and approachable management, on the other hand, can go a long way to making a business prosper. When there is healthy communication between workers and management, issues can more easily be addressed, and the overall environment can be more engaging. Those in a supervisory role who establish good relationships with their staff members can benefit themselves, their workers and the company.

If you think you could be a bit more accessible to your staff, but you're worried about getting it wrong, consider the following suggestions.

Share

You have to connect with your staff members and, on your end, that means you need to share things about yourself and your life. Needless to say, you don't have to get into overly emotional, personal or political topics. Just having some easy conversations with your staff, asking them questions about their weekend or talking about your family life, can help establish a degree of trust and honesty that will make you seem approachable.

Literally (and Figuratively) Keep an Open Door

The occasions when you close your office door for a bit of privacy ought to be the exception, not the rule. Your employees are much less likely to feel you're an available boss if you are always camped out in your office with the door closed.

Instead, try to leave your office door open as much as possible, even if it means having to deal with more distractions. Also, be sure to regularly interact with all your employees, establishing an 'open door' policy even while you're outside your office.

Welcome Bad News

If you’re the sort of supervisor who only reacts well to good news, your staff members will be much less likely to tell you about growing problems, which can mean unpleasant, unexpected surprises. Don't just tell your employees they can come to you with anything; be sure you react in a calm and understanding manner when they come to you with bad news. Because your staff members are your eyes and ears, they are well positioned to provide you with insights and tips on growing problems, but you'll only hear that information if you allow yourself to do so.

Be a Model Communicator

Clearly explain all duties, projects and assignments, using uncomplicated directions, individual expectations and deadlines. Ensure your employees understand they should ask any questions or ask for help when they need it. Give staff members ample lead time to take care assignments and duties whenever possible.

Let Us Support Your Success as a Supervisor

At Ambassador, we help company leaders succeed by providing them with custom talent acquisition solutions. Please contact our full-service staffing firm today to find out how we can make you a more successful supervisor.