Page 51 - Becoming a Successful Manager

42 KNOWING THE TERRITORY

Share a Table for Two

When you get to know the people who report to you, you will
form bonds that make it easier to communicate with them, to
resolve differences, and to solve mutual problems. Those benefi ts
will pay great dividends for both you and them.
The process of getting to know your employees might be a bit
challenging given the multiple generational and global nature of
today’s workforce. Nonetheless, it begins with a genuine desire
to learn all you can about each member of your staff and an
interest in fi nding the best way of doing that. One way is to hold
individual meetings (in person or remote if necessary) with each
member of your staff. This is not a one-time investment but an
ongoing process that will put you in personal contact several
times with each person over the course of a few months. Initially,
you may want to meet each member in person outside the offi ce
if possible. Later, you may limit the meetings to personal “touch
base” meetings or discussions.
During a departmental meeting, simply tell your employees
that you are interested in getting to know each of them and
that you want them, in turn, to get to know you. Inform them
that you will be “getting together” with everyone in the depart-
ment, so that no one will feel singled out, and that the atmo-
sphere will be informal, so that they do not feel anxious about
the occasion. Let them know that you will agree on a schedule
well in advance, so that they can plan accordingly, and that you
are looking forward to these meetings, which should be both
fun and interesting. At the end of your announcement, be sure
to ask if anyone has any questions. Employees may well have
concerns about the content of the meetings. They may wonder
if you have a particular agenda in mind, since it is, sadly, rare