There are hundreds of things you could do as a leader that could create better results. But there is one thing that, when done with the right intention and consistency, will get you better results, improve nearly every metric you can imagine, and ultimately make your job easier. That one thing? Create more interactions with your team members.
What is Interaction?
An interaction, in work context, is talking about anything non-work related and beyond small talk, like the weather. There are times you need to transact business – answer or ask a question, get an update, or provide some feedback. But that isn’t enough and isn’t an interaction. An interaction is more than work or small talk. It’s a conversation about how the person is doing as a person, not as an employee. What do they need? How they are feeling? What is going on in their world? And so much more.
Why Create Interactions?
When you have more regular interactions with your team members, many positive things will happen. More interactions will lead to:
- Better working relationships.
- Higher trust levels.
- More effective communication.
- Higher productivity.
- Higher retention.
- Better collaboration.
- Better problem-solving results.
- Less rework.
- Less confusion, frustration, and conflict.
Now read this list again, thinking about this with each bullet: If you had just that one thing, would you be a better leader?
How to Create Interactions
- Be frequent. Your situation will dictate how frequently you can interact with each of your team members. Even so, I challenge you to make it at least once per week with each team member.
- Be intentional. Let’s say your goal is once per week per team member. If that is the case, figure out how you will do this. If you have weekly one-on-ones, there is your chance. If you don’t think about when and how you will have these interactions and get them on your calendar and to-do list.
- Look for chances. Beyond your one-on-ones, look for opportunities for informal interaction. Catch someone in the hallway, at the close of a meeting, or whenever. While real-time conversation is preferable, if your team members are remote, you may need to look for other opportunities. A check-in via chat (Slack, Teams, etc.) will help. Keep interaction with your team at the top of your priority list. You will find more opportunities in the hidden moments in the day than you probably realize.
- Open the door. Ask the non-work question to let people know you care and are interested. Whether about their weekend, their favorite sports team, a hobby, or more. Some people have never had a boss who really did that. You begin to create interaction when you open the door to get past work and the weather.
- Listen more than you talk. Others will view the interaction more positively if the conversation is about them. Ask and listen more than you talk. Ask follow-up questions not to pry, but to show you care.
- Remember, remind, and respect. Don’t treat each interaction as a standalone, but as part of the arc of your ongoing conversation. Remember about their upcoming events, activities, goals, and plans. Bring them up and ask about them in future conversations. And treat these conversations as sacred. What they share with you isn’t necessarily for sharing unless they have specifically told you they want you to.
If you want to be a better leader, create interactions with each team member at least once a week. When you do, you will begin to reap all the benefits above. And when you do it consistently, the benefits will continue to grow.
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