One of my organization’s biggest strengths and biggest challenges is that we have a main office and several satellite sites. This week I got a chance to talk to some satellite coworkers I rarely see, and it was fantastic to get to reconnect. I spoke with one coworker in particular, largely about communicating with supervisors.
What I Realized:
- When people work really really hard, they need to know that the people above them do also.
- The wheels that aren’t squeaking still need you.
- It’s easy to assume the worst in lieu of facts.
- Face time, with people and at places, makes people feel better.
Management Suggestions:
- Face time. Make time for it.
- Make sure that at least some of your hard work is visible.
- If you’re at work at 10pm, make sure to send some emails then. Time stamps are subtle and say a lot.
- Share your to-do lists, projects, and finished products.
- Take a moment (not an hour) at check-in meetings to report on what you’ve been up to too.
- Make at least some piddling tasks a priority. Fix that water cooler, address the lighting in that parking lot, help with that crazy landlord.
- The line between trusting an employee and ignoring an employee has a lot to do with the employee’s perception.
- Send a quick thank-you to the people doing a great job. Acknowledge that you’re being very hands-off, and that you’re still there when they do need anything.
- Have regular meetings and switch up the location.
- Publicly recognize accomplishments, and not just the momentous ones.
What are some other suggestions or lessons that come to mind? How else can management communicate effectively?