In recent years, we have witnessed a remarkable shift in the workplace, with employees seeking a more human-centered environment that values communication, respect, and empathy. They want leaders who listen, who are approachable, and who create a supportive workplace where they feel safe to speak their minds. As a result, the ability to cultivate approachable leadership has become increasingly important. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of approachable leadership, why it’s so important; and best of all- we will provide you with actionable tips to help you become a more approachable leader.
Whether you’re a seasoned manager or a new team leader, these insights can help you create a better work environment for your team and drive better outcomes for your organization.
At its core, approachability is a trait that reflects an individual’s ease of communication and interaction with others. Approachable individuals are generally seen as warm, friendly, and inviting, which makes it easy for others to share their thoughts and ideas without hesitation.
Being an approachable leader has major benefits in the workplace. Studies have found that employees who experience empathy and approachability from their leadership team enjoy a 30% higher retention rate, along with 17% more engagement in their work overall. A survey conducted by Deloitte further confirmed this sentiment, as 82% of respondents believed that having a positive culture was key to gaining competitive advantage. It’s clear – leaders who prioritize compassionate behavior reap valuable rewards for both themselves and those they lead!
But what exactly is approachable leadership? It is a leadership style where leaders foster an environment of openness and accessibility that encourages team members to come forward with their ideas, concerns, and feedback. It is an inclusive leadership style that values team members’ opinions and insights, creating a sense of belonging and psychological safety.
Now that we have established what approachable leadership is and why it is essential for a positive work environment, let’s dive deeper into the key qualities that make an approachable leader. These qualities play a vital role in fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values communication, respect, and empathy. Understanding these qualities and working to develop them within yourself can help you become a more approachable leader and foster a positive and productive work environment for your team.
Key Qualities of an Approachable Leader
Listening skills
Listening is one of the most important skills any manager (and person in general) can have. It involves giving your full attention to team members when they speak, understanding their concerns, and providing meaningful feedback. Leaders who listen to their team members foster trust, respect, and positive relationships, creating a sense of belonging among team members.
Empathy
Having empathy means being capable of comprehending and empathizing with the emotions of others. Leaders who are approachable possess this quality, allowing them to establish a connection with their team members and grasp their difficulties. By empathizing with their team members, leaders can foster a supportive and compassionate atmosphere, which can increase team members’ motivation, and their engagement level.
Authenticity
Authenticity is another critical quality of an approachable leadership style. Authentic leaders are genuine, transparent, and honest, creating an environment of mutual trust and openness. Nurturing transparency and honesty within the team can significantly enhance team morale and contribute to an increase in productivity.
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence is the ability to manage one’s emotions and understand others’ emotions. Approachable leaders will usually have a high degree of emotional intelligence, which enables them to connect with their team members at an emotional level. This in turn helps them foster a caring, supportive, and empathetic work environment. Such an environment can lead to higher levels of trust, engagement, and collaboration among team members, ultimately contributing to overall team success.
Although many people in the workforce have the qualities associated with approachable leadership, that alone doesn’t make them approachable leaders. To be one, it’s essential to leverage these qualities effectively and adopt an approachable leadership style.
Here are some actionable tips that will help you become an Approachable Leader:
Ask for feedback (often)
To become more approachable, managers need to seek feedback from their team members and employees. Feedback will provide valuable knowledge insights into how others perceive and will help you identify areas that can be improved upon.When leaders proactively seek feedback, they create an open environment that is conducive to constructive criticism, leading to a sense of belonging among team members.
Be open to constructive criticism
Welcome constructive criticism- as it can help managers establish a supportive and empathetic environment. By valuing the opinions and insights of team members, leaders foster a sense of belonging and psychological safety. It’s important to take feedback seriously and use it as an opportunity for personal improvement, even if it means setting aside your ego and acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers.
Practice active listening
Engaging in active listening goes beyond simply hearing what someone is saying. It requires asking insightful questions, providing constructive feedback, and reading between the lines to understand non-verbal cues. Leaders who make active listening a habit demonstrate to their team members that they are heard, seen, respected and value. This in turn promotes a sense of belonging and collaboration among their team members.
Vulnerability and authenticity
Being authentic is all about being genuine and honest, both with yourself and those around you. It’s a key quality of an approachable leader, as it fosters an environment of trust and transparency. Leaders who embrace authenticity are not afraid to share their beliefs, values, and perspectives with their team members, creating a culture of open and honest communication. This level of vulnerability can inspire others to do the same, resulting in stronger relationships, increased collaboration, and a more motivated team.
Communicate effectively
Managers looking to adopt a more approachable leadership style will have to work on their communication skills. Effective communication is not restricted to verbal conversations alone but also encompasses written communication, body language, and overall presentation. To become more skilled in effective communication, you should consider attending courses, reading books, and practicing regularly. By doing so, you can foster a more positive and productive work environment, facilitate team collaboration and engagement, and establish yourself as an approachable leader who values open and clear communication.
Becoming a more approachable leader takes intentional effort and consistent practice. However, it’s not just about changing your own behavior – fostering a culture of approachability within your team is just as important. Creating an environment where open communication, active listening, and authenticity are valued is crucial for cultivating a sense of trust and respect among team members. As a leader, it’s your responsibility to model these behaviors and encourage your team to do the same. By prioritizing approachability, you can build a stronger and more cohesive team. Here’s how you can do that :
Lead by example
As a leader, you set the tone for your team. If you want your team to be approachable, then you need to model that behavior yourself. This means being open, honest, asking for feedback and implementing changes when necessary.
Encourage open communication
Make it clear to your team that you value their input and encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas. Create opportunities for open communication, such as regular team meetings or one-on-one check-ins, however you shouldn’t make these mandatory, as that defeats the purpose of open communication.
Create a safe space for team members to express their opinions
Team members need to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment or retribution. Encourage an environment of psychological safety where team members feel comfortable expressing themselves, without the fear of repercussions or negative consequences.
Provide regular feedback and recognition
Regular feedback and recognition help team members know that their contributions are seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Informal feedback should be a daily thing. Recognize what your team members do well and thank them for it, however don’t forget to complete formal reviews and evaluations, as those will benefit them more in the long run.
Build relationships with team members
Take the time to get to know your team members as individuals. Learn their likes and dislikes, along with their strengths and weaknesses. This not only fosters a culture of trust and support but also enables you to identify and utilize their skills in different roles. By building strong relationships with your team, you can create a cohesive and productive work environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.
Fostering a culture of approachability and being an approachable leader can bring a multitude of benefits to the team and the organization as a whole, but approachability is not just about being friendly or easy-going, but also about being open and receptive to feedback and ideas from team members. By valuing the perspectives and opinions of everyone on the team, leaders can build an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. This will improve trust and respect among team members, encourage better communication and collaboration, increase job satisfaction and engagement, and ultimately lead to improved performance and productivity.
Leaders who prioritize approachability are more likely to create a positive work environment where team members feel valued and respected. This can result in better morale, increased motivation, and a more productive team overall. In short, approachability is not just a nice-to-have trait for leaders, but a key factor in building successful and high-performing teams.
