Good and successful leaders are approachable leaders. Their followers find it easy to approach them with whatever concerns they may have. Good leaders don’t hear things from third parties, their followers are comfortable with approaching them directly.
Approachability comes over time as you, the leader, intentionally create a culture of trust and openness so your followers can feel safe and confident in approaching you. There are a number of things you can be intentional about in your leadership that will make you an approachable leader.
Be personable. This sounds simple, but many times leaders are not aware of how unapproachable they appear to their followers. Sometimes you may speak with such certainty that your followers feel there is nothing they can say to you that will make a difference.
While you may be certain about your point of view, as the leader, you should invite your followers to give feedback on your perspective. This is a means of saying to them that you are approachable and willing to listen to opposing views.
Sometimes your appearance may come across as unapproachable even though that is not what you want others to perceive you. This is especially true of the introverted leader. Or perhaps you frown without realizing it. Try to focus on smiling and showing warmth to those around you. Your non-verbal communication can make you appear unapproachable.
Listen rather than wait. Being a good listener is one of the most important communication skills you bring to leadership. Avoid what is called waiting rather than listening. Waiting is when, rather than listening to what another person is saying, you are quiet only for the purpose of waiting to present or defend your point of view. Waiting does not make your followers want to come and talk to you.
People can generally tell if you are listening or waiting. And it does not take too many people to experience waiting with you before the word is out and others think it pointless to talk with you.
Waiting is actually the default for most people. Listening takes conscious effort on your part to be engaged and to help the person speaking feel heard. Don’t wait; listen.
Make the first move. Cultivate the habit of making the first move when it comes to being approachable as a leader. If during a meeting you notice a team member has suddenly stopped talking and seems disengaged, make the first move in approaching that individual to find out what is going on.
I think this is similar to Jesus’ teaching in Matt. 5:23-24 when he admonished his followers to make the first move rather than waiting to be approached. Being approachable sometimes requires you to make the first move.
Show that you are human. As a leader, you cannot afford to come across so perfect that your followers feel uncomfortable approaching you. Share your stories, talk about some of your mistakes and blunders so your followers feel a connection. If you are “always right” and appear to make no mistakes, you will distance yourself from your followers. Approachability is about bridging the gap between you and your followers.
“Being personable is a leadership strength, while being unapproachable, prickly or guarded shuts people up and shuts them down, cutting off information flow and collaboration vital for a team to do its best work.” David Peck
Are you an approachable leader?
If you would like help in achieving your goals as a leader or in any area of your life, call us at 208-880-0307 or email us at errol@errolcarrim.com to schedule a complimentary coaching session. To read Errol’s other posts, visit Christ-Centered Life Coaching.