Does your organization have communication issues? Do you visit your employees desk only if there is a problem? How well do you really know your employees? Management by walking around is not a new concept but it is not an easy one either.

So how do you do it?

• First, let people know that this is your new strategy. As I said earlier, usually when management appears, people expect the worst so if you don’t let them know, the grapevine will be busy with people asking, “What’s wrong???”
• Ask people when would be a good time to meet. If they have an important deadline looming, that is not the time to visit their desks.
• Leave behind your cell phone. You want to give people your full attention and respect.
• Be informal. Prepare some non threatening questions and then listen to the answers….really listen.
• Make eye contact. Look directly at people when you are talking and when you are listening,
• Let your employees ask you questions. If you don’t know the answers, say so. If you say you will get back with the answers, do so. Your credibility is at stake.
• Be honest. Don’t sugarcoat reality.
• Take notes. Use a small notepad to write down suggestions you hear or pertinent information about the person.
• Show appreciation. Thank the person for their time.
• Don’t stop. People may not be comfortable the first time you visit but if they see this as a continued effort, the rapport will grow.

Most of the organizations that we work with say they have communications issues. To learn “Management by walking around” is a great step to resolving these issues, building trust and a having a more productive workforce .