Being Approachable |Leila’s House of Corrections

Have any of your employees ever complained that they re afraid to ask you a question or maybe get some advice? Perhaps they haven t said that to you, but it s probably true. Come on managers, it s time to make yourselves approachable.

Sending the message that you re approachable is crucial. As a manager, it s your job to provide information and guidance to your team. To find out whether you may be giving the stay away vibe, as yourself these 3 questions:

Question 1: Does my office or workspace look inviting or organized?

You don t have to have fresh flowers or comfy cushions, but you should have an office that says: This is where you can come, you can sit down, and you can talk to me. A messy desk or office sends the message that you re too busy that you re overwhelmed and don t have time to talk.

Question 2: When I m approached, do I actually stop what I m doing and look at the person in front of me?

If you keep typing or writing and you don t make eye contact, you are sending a loud signal that what you re doing is more important than talking to the person in front of you.

Question 3: How do you respond when you hear a knock at your door or a voice calling your name?

Do you sigh and use a tone of voice that says, Oh, boy, not again! Another interruption? Or do you put your head down, pretend you can t hear and then walk more quickly down the hall?

Leila s Correction:

If you don t know whether you re approachable or not, ask a trusted colleague to give you some feedback.

When you walk around the office, walk slowly to give people time to approach you.

Always give eye to eye contact because more than any other form of body language it says: I m here, I m available, I m open to communication.

Finally, don t forget to tidy up the office and remember to leave the door open whenever you can.

So, remember: When you appear approachable, people talk more to you more, listen to you more, and overall, they are more productive. It s good for business.