Managers and Leaders play a crucial role in driving organizational success. While delivering results and meeting targets are essential, employee engagement and retention are more crucial than ever before. One quality that can help leaders achieve all of this is being approachable.
Let’s understand what being approachable is, why it matters so much and how you as leaders or managers can develop this vital leadership trait.
What is Being Approachable
Being approachable means creating an open, friendly, and non-threatening environment where your team members feel comfortable coming to you with their ideas, questions, concerns, or feedback.
Imagine a scenario where a team member identifies an issue that could derail a project. If you are approachable, the employee will feel comfortable raising the concern early, leading to a proactive solution. In contrast, if you’re unapproachable, the problem might go unaddressed until it’s too late.
Why Being Approachable Matters
Increased Employee Engagement: Research from Gallup shows that managers account for 70% of the variance in employee engagement. Employees who feel their manager is approachable are more likely to be engaged which leads to higher productivity and retention. Companies with engaged employees outperform those without by up to 202%.
Higher Retention Rates: A LinkedIn survey found that 79% of employees cite a lack of appreciation from their managers as a major reason for leaving their job. Approachable managers, who encourage open communication and trust, reduce turnover and help organizations retain top talent.
Improved Innovation and Collaboration: According to a study by Google, the ability to freely share ideas and admit mistakes without fear of judgment is one of the key factors in successful teams. Approachable managers help cultivate this environment, which encourages innovation and collaboration. Companies with open communication are 25% more likely to experience high team performance.
Better Problem-Solving: A study by McKinsey revealed that organizations with strong communication practices were 3.5 times more likely to outperform their competitors. Approachable managers receive more feedback and insights, which helps them identify problems early and create better solutions.
Boost in Employee Productivity: Research by the Corporate Leadership Council found that managers who are more open and available to their teams can increase employee performance by up to 25%. Open communication enables employees to align with company goals, ask questions, and resolve issues quickly.
These statistics clearly show the importance of approachability and the impact it can have on team performance and overall organizational success. Now that you know why being approachable is so important, let’s learn how you can develop this vital trait.
How to Be a More Approachable Leader
Approachability is not something you are born with; it can be developed through conscious effort. Here are some actionable tips for you to become more approachable:
1) Be Available: Physical and emotional availability goes a long way. Make time to interact with your team outside of formal meetings. Walk the floor, schedule regular check-ins, or have open office hours. When employees know you are accessible, they will feel more comfortable approaching you.
Tip: Try scheduling a few minutes at the start or end of the day for informal conversations with your team members. This can help break the ice and encourage open dialogue.
2) Practice Active Listening: Approachability isn’t just about being available; it’s about truly listening when someone speaks. Practice active listening by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and avoiding interruptions. This shows that you value what the other person is saying.
Tip: When an employee comes to you with an issue or idea, repeat back what they’ve said to confirm understanding. For example, “What I’m hearing is that you're concerned about the timeline—let's explore solutions.”
3) Be Non-Judgmental: If team members fear criticism or judgment, they are less likely to approach you. Be mindful of your reactions and create an environment where it’s safe to share even bad news or mistakes. Mistakes should be viewed as chances to learn, not as reasons to blame or punish.
Tip: When someone admits a mistake, instead of reacting with frustration, ask, “What can we learn from this?” This shows you're focused on growth rather than blame.
4) Show Empathy: Empathy is key to approachability. Understand that each team member has unique challenges, both personal and professional. Show that you care about their well-being by acknowledging their struggles and offering support.
Tip: Make it a habit to ask your team members how they are doing—not just in relation to their work but also their general well-being. A simple “How are you feeling today?” can go a long way.
5) Encourage Open Dialogue: Create a culture of openness by asking for feedback and encouraging employees to share their thoughts. Let them know that every opinion matters, and no question is too small. This will help build a safe space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas.
Tip: During team meetings, invite quieter members to share their thoughts. Use phrases like, “I’d love to hear your perspective on this,” to show you genuinely value their input.
6) Be Humble: Leaders who admit when they don’t have all the answers or when they’ve made a mistake appear more human and relatable. This humility can make others feel more comfortable approaching you with their own questions or concerns.
Tip: If you’ve made a decision that didn’t work out as expected, share this with the team and discuss the learning points. It will set an example that vulnerability is okay.
7) Maintain an Open-Door Policy While this might seem old-fashioned, an open-door policy (whether literal or figurative) lets employees know you are available for discussions at any time. It signals that you’re approachable and willing to listen to their concerns.
Tip: Let your team know when you’re free for a quick chat or coffee catch-up. Regularly check in with them, especially if you notice someone has been quieter than usual.
8) Be Approachable Online With remote work becoming more common, approachability isn’t just about face-to-face interaction. Be accessible through digital channels by maintaining clear, open lines of communication in virtual settings.
Tip: On platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or email, respond promptly and use friendly, approachable language. Encourage team members to reach out with any questions or ideas, even when working remotely.
By adopting the strategies mentioned above, you can foster stronger relationships, improve team morale, and ultimately drive organizational success. In a world where employee engagement and retention are critical, the simple act of being approachable can make all the difference. Please feel free to share your experiences and ideas on being approachable, in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!
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