CEO SPECIAL ...Emotional equations: Embracing an open leadership style

CEO SPECIAL Emotional equations: Embracing an open leadership style

Learning the art of being approachable can help your company in the long run

No one is born to be CEO. The job is a learning curve with its own set of hurdles. And even if you think someone may seem to have it all on the outside, you need to look closer at the person within the role and realise they could be battling personal shortcomings. Take Snap CEO Evan Spiegel for example. He’s got a billion-dollar company, a supermodel wife and has grown up with every advantage. Yet, he says that he still feels shy and uncomfortable in his role as a leader to thousands. Overcoming shyness and embracing approachability is not an overnight process, but these tips could help you become a better, more open CEO to your army of employees.

Smile please

This is one of the areas where you sometimes need to fake it, till you make it. If you feel reserved around people who report to you, tackle the problem with a smile and open body language. It will put the other person at ease, which in turn can reduce the stress and formality, making it easier for you to establish interpersonal relationships. You don’t have to constantly grin from ear to ear, but a pleasant hello and keeping your arms to the side can go a long way in making you more comfortable and approachable.

Door open

Does everyone go quiet when you walk into the workplace? Do things seem to get chattier outside as soon as you’ve closed your corner office door? If you’ve established a mysterious boss vibe at the workplace, you need to get rid of it. And the first step is with an open door… quite literally. A boss should not only be heard (via emails or memos) but also seen. It helps people get used to you and vice versa and makes you more accessible.

Talk shop

When it comes to running a company, you need to keep morale up by shouting your achievements from the rooftops. But to become a CEO that people can approach, you need to talk about your failures too. We’re not suggesting that you have a pity party, but speak about trying times too. Showing your vulnerability lets people see you as a human instead of a superman who can do no wrong. And this will make them less hesitant coming to you with their own shortcomings. Something that will help them grow as employees and overall, have a positive outcome for the organisation as a whole.

Recognise your team

When you get feedback, suggestions or ideas from colleagues, you need to make sure you recognise their inputs. A simple statement such as ‘Thank you, I appreciate it,’ or ‘That’s a good point,’ will make people more confident in approaching you. If you don’t give employees a token of acknowledgment, they will feel that their suggestions and opinions are not welcome, and she/he may not even bother providing them.

Have fun

The best way to become more approachable is by having a different manner to work on occasion and trying to have a bit of fun. Going on an office retreat, or even just after work for a team building dinner is a great way to loosen up and let your employees see a different side to you.

Ask questions about their hobbies or interests and avoid talking shop.

Investing some time in fun, will be a long-term investment in your team.

glynda.alves@timesgroup.com