How important is it for a leader to be available and approachable?
With the busy lives that we all lead it can be hard to step away from it all and give some of your time to others. As leaders it is important to be intentional about doing so for the development of our team and to develop strong relationships.
It is important for leaders to show their attention for several reasons. Inattention can lead to some very significant problems down the road both for leaders and those they collaborate with. A painful sting is delivered by a leaders inattention to those requiring a leader’s attention. It is important to be intentional about being present for the team.
4 Reasons Why Leaders Should Give Their Attention
It is disrespectful not to
Leaders are most often looked up to as a go-to person, as someone who can be there to lead the way and someone that can be relied upon. When you fail to give your attention, not only does it kill credibility, but it is a huge disrespect to the people that are relying on you for support.
Too busy to lead
I get that there is a lot of work to be done. It can be difficult to step away and put time into developing people. It takes effort and dedication. But, you know what? It is worth it. I like to look at people development as investing. You put a little bit in each time, and over time your investment is compounded, and they get better. You get the satisfaction of knowing that someone was changed for the better, was molded into a better person, and if done right will continue to do the same for others down the road.
Your team counts on you
Your team is looking to you for answers. You may not have all of the answers all of the time and that is ok. What you need to answer is a request for guidance. Most of the time all it takes is a point in the right direction. This is why it is important to know how individual team members operate. Some may just need that extra push, a light for their path, or just some exterior motivation.
Be present
When you do make the time to sit down with someone, whether it be a direct report, a peer, or even one of your children, give your full attention. If you have made the time to step away from any busyness that was going on, use the moment to be fully engaged. Look the person in the eyes, don’t scan the room, and be genuinely interested. Nothing is more frustrating than expecting to have someone’s attention then finding out they’re not really present.
How easy is it for you to be intentional about making time to develop others? Leave your comments here.
Great post, Leo. Loved the be present point. I have been thinking about this point a lot lately too. If people can feel like they are the only people in the room, then I have done my job. I have to be intentional with developing time, but like you said, when you spend time developing, it is so worth it. If we are with people and loving them, it is a byproduct and easier to do, because we are already making the time.
You’re spot on. And it is so important too. I’ve seen so many people become discouraged and unmotivated because nobody cared and nobody payed attention. On the flip side, when the attention was strong the drive and motivation increased.