Nobody wants to be "that" boss, but according to a Gallup study, 50% of employees leave work because of their managers. While most executives like to think they are approachable, the trait does not come naturally for every leader.
"When you take on the role of a manager and people leader, you set the culture for your team and your company," says Logan Mallory, Vice President of Marketing for Motivosity. "If you want your employees to feel comfortable and valued, learn to lead with empathy and transparency."
Approachable leaders are coaches and mentors
Approachable executives build relationships as mentors — not as managers. They help employees find purpose in their work, recognize their accomplishments, and point out areas for growth. Employees may not necessarily want their boss to be their best friend, but they do want a leader who cares.
"To coach your employees, you have to care about them," says Mallory. "To mentor, you have to create a space where employees feel safe to let down their walls and share their experiences. Understand where they're coming from and offer the resources and support they need to grow."
Approachable leaders make an effort to be vulnerable
Of course, employees don’t avoid their bosses when things are going well. The true test of whether or not executives are approachable is how many employees come to them when something has gone wrong.
"Be transparent with your team about performance, results, and outlook," advises Mallory. "When your employees see that you are honest with them, they will feel comfortable being honest with you."
Executives who lead with transparency share both wins and losses openly and confidently. This creates an environment where others feel comfortable enough to share what’s happening in their efforts - even if it hasn’t been successful. It also opens doors to being more open both professionally and personally.
Mallory believes that executives who lead like humans show employees that it is okay to be human in the workplace. "Talk about your life outside of work," he says. "Acknowledge the things that are going well but don't forget about the hard stuff, too. Of course, keep things professional, but don’t shy away from showing emotion and sharing what’s happening outside the office. Then make sure you encourage your employees to do the same."
Approachable leaders practice open communication
An Interact survey reveals that 69% of managers are uncomfortable communicating with employees and 37% are uncomfortable giving performance feedback. Employees crave interaction and feedback from leadership. Without that vital interaction, teams break down, and goals go unmet; with it, however, leaders can better establish a culture of connection and collaboration.
"Approachable executives don’t lead from behind the desk," observes Mallory. "They are out of their offices, visible, and available to communicate on a regular basis."
Approachable leaders accept feedback and criticism
Though accepting criticism is never easy, it’s a necessary aspect of being approachable to employees. "Be aware of your ego," warns Mallory. "Ego so often gets in the way of good communication by making it difficult for leaders to accept feedback."
Good leaders listen to their employees and understand their perspectives, even if that conversation comes in the form of constructive criticism. Being open to feedback frequently results in areas of growth. Just the act of listening creates environments where employees feel valued and inspired to share.
Employees want to work for executives who are accessible, transparent, and humble enough to admit when they're wrong. "Leadership is about making yourself approachable," says Mallory. "We don't hide behind our desks or intimidate people with our titles. We show them we care by listening, being open-minded, and offering support. It's the open and honest conversations that ultimately fuel success in any company.”
