For leaders to learn and understand what is really going on with the people they lead, they have to encourage others to share information with them. In the traditional view, being an approachable leader translates more accurately as being easy to talk to and creating an aura that is warm and open. When team members feel they are always welcome to discuss, engage, and share with a leader, we can say that leader is approachable.
This is an adjustment that parents need to make a few times throughout childhood development too. Kids go from asking questions because they are practicing talking, to wanting answers, to wanting engagement -- all at various stages.
The most successful relationships I have with clients, direct reports, and even my children are a result of responding to their advice-seeking with questions.
Asking the right questions of them can help them find the answer, whether it’s deep inside of them or if they need to dig around elsewhere.
It’s analogous to the old “catch someone a fish / teach someone to fish” adage.
How to Become a More Approachable Leader
Maybe you are offering answers too quickly?
This is an adjustment that parents need to make a few times throughout childhood development too. Kids go from asking questions because they are practicing talking, to wanting answers, to wanting engagement -- all at various stages.
One of the key skills is listening. And I mean actually listening.
"Unbeknownst to many leaders, colleagues only occasionally ask questions to receive an answer."
Insight of the year!
The most successful relationships I have with clients, direct reports, and even my children are a result of responding to their advice-seeking with questions.
Asking the right questions of them can help them find the answer, whether it’s deep inside of them or if they need to dig around elsewhere.
It’s analogous to the old “catch someone a fish / teach someone to fish” adage.