As the famous saying implies, it can be lonely at the top. Just because you are at the head of the chain of command doesn’t mean you should always have to come off as so. While it is important to be the boss, it can be equally important to share a common bond with your employees and develop connections beyond the simple dynamics that constitute most employee-employer relationships. This way the entire company knows that everyone, from the top down, is working hard towards the same goal. Here are some helpful recommendations to open your communication channels.

  1. Be accessible TV and movies show the big boss man lording over his workers like a puppet master from the high peaks of the top floor. Don’t hide from your employees in rarely accessible areas of your office building or company campus, with a lineup of secretaries standing guard on every corner. This isn’t to say that every employee should be able to meet with you in person over every little hiccup, but when the people who work with you have major concerns, hear them out.
  2. Use technology, but not to a fault Sure, advancements in communication have helped to cut cost and streamline efficiency, but the cohesiveness forged through personal contact and relationships can never be replaced. When you hold meetings, attend them in the flesh, even if everyone could get the message just as well through a computer screen and/or microphone. To take a hands-on approach, you might actually have to take your hands off the keyboard from time to time.
  3. Don’t overlook the day-to-day You probably shouldn’t be the one restocking the paper trays every morning at 6 a.m., but when it comes to your company’s daily operation, make sure you are at least aware of even the most menial tasks. It can be extremely difficult to effectively gauge employee performance, make personnel changes or even reward a job well done if you don’t witness the work yourself. You may never reach a point where it’s completely hands off the steering wheel, but if you take pride in your business, you shouldn’t want to.