Creating Trusting Environments: Unapologetic Transformations
This is a continued conversation from 12/15. If you missed the previous pillars, we would encourage you to go back and follow along for our full content on this discussion!
#4) Be in ALL Rooms, Not Just the Boardroom
Building on last week’s conversation on the importance of showing the human side of you as a leader, we’re going to talk about the importance of finding time to be in other rooms with your team, than just the boardrooms (or Zoom “rooms”).
We've all encountered those leaders who seem to have an invisible force field around their offices. We understand some days can become meeting after meeting, not allowing time to even exit your office for more than 5 minutes, but let’s be intentional about keeping those days to a minimum. Especially with limited in office days in a post 2020 workplace.
Your team, your work family, is craving those casual, off-the-agenda moments where conversations flow without the formalities of a scheduled meeting. Engage in the casual banter around the coffee and water machines. Ask about what TV shows they are currently bingeing, or did they catch the ending of the football game, or what the weekend plans entail.
Let's talk about the power of the walk-around. Schedule some time to stroll through the office, not like a boss inspecting his kingdom, but like a colleague checking in on friends. Stop by someone's desk, notice the personal touches – a family photo, a quirky desk toy – and let those become conversation starters. Ask about their day, their challenges, ask lots of questions… what do they enjoy most about working in your organization? Chances are you’re going to learn more than you did previously about each employee.
Lunch breaks and after-work events are not just time fillers; they are golden opportunities to bridge the gap between the hierarchical levels. Attend those team lunches, employee resource group events, or drop by at social gatherings outside of the 9-to-5 grind. Show your team that you're not just a leader; you're a person who enjoys a good laugh and a hearty conversation.
Remember, the more your team sees you as approachable and genuinely interested in them, the more trust you'll build. So, break free from the boardroom shackles, mingle, chat, and let the workplace become a community where everyone feels connected, valued, and understood. After all, it's not just about the work we do but the relationships we build along the way.
Cheers to creating a workplace where trust thrives beyond the confines of the office walls!
Here's Where Unapologetic Can Elevate Your Results:
Register for one of our 1.5-hour workshops for your team! It’s a low commitment way to invest into building your team members’ confidence and skillsets. Allow them to learn about themselves and their team holistically, what their individual and collective strengths are (and the watchouts behind those strengths!), how can they better understand and work together through grace and grit to enhance the results their delivering. Our most popular programs include Communication, Clifton Strengths, Imposter Syndrome, to name a few. Contact one of our coaches today to even tailor one to your specific needs!
