Some leaders believe they are most important. They don’t have time to respond to every request from everybody for which they are responsible. They have an office far from the front door for a reason. They believe that they need to stay focused on their own agenda and not be distracted by others’ concerns. Some relish in being aloof and unavailable. They don’t believe availability has anything to do with leadership. Visit www.welchlin.com to read the entire newsletter.
Frankly, availability is crucial. It is important for people to feel that they can have personal access to their leaders.
Sure, face-to-face discussions are not always possible, however with today’s technological advances, it has become easier to connect with coworkers through other means.
Now, with email, much information can be shared. Text messaging makes it possible to receive nearly instant feedback to questions or concerns. Telephone calls help clear up confusion. Voice mail messages can help provide richness to the communication context with the caller’s vocal tone and vocal variety. I have found that people still enjoy receiving handwritten notes and the occasional letter.
Yes, face-to-face discussions with the leader would be ideal. Effective leaders need to demonstrate that they are willing to talk with anyone. People want their leaders to be real people and then they won’t be afraid to point out problems and participate in difficult conversations. I think it is difficult to follow a leader that you don’t know, and don’t see, and don’t even recognize.
Be the leader that is accessible, make technology your friend, and connect with your coworkers. It is important for people to feel valued and that their ideas are considered and their concern is appreciated.
Be the leader that builds relationships by being available.
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If you need a keynote speaker, plenary speaker, breakout speaker, concurrent session speaker, seminar leader, or workshop facilitator who can deliver in-person, virtually, or via prerecorded session, Kit Welchlin, M.A., CSP, CVP, is a nationally recognized professional motivational speaker and author and can be found at www.welchlin.com or www.SeminarsOnStress.com.