You’re working way too hard.
“80% of success is just showing up.” Woody Allen
Show up by wandering around.
4 reasons to wander around:
- You get smarter. The people around you know more than you in their area of work and expertise. You lead a dim team, if you’re brighter than everyone on it.
- Humility goes up when you connect.
- Efficiency, creativity, commitment, and satisfaction require feeling connected.
- Wander to monitor energy. Where is energy high or low?
7 rules for wandering around:
- Wander frequently. Wander around enough so that people aren’t worried when they see you coming.
- Don’t invite people to your office. Show up at theirs.
- Acknowledge people when wandering around. Disconnected bosses are too important and busy to smile and say hi.
- Be a learner. Ask people to show you how to do something.
- Learn and repeat names.
- Smile. Give visible expression to the respect you feel for the people on your team. Don’t allow problems to dominate your attitude.
- Prepare yourself. Take three minutes to clear your mind, lower protective walls, and open your heart.
Tip: If you can’t physically wander, pick up the phone or get on Skype.
7 suggestions for wandering themes:
Stay open when walking about, but try keeping a theme in mind.
- Gratitude and praise walks. Go around patting people on the back.
- Keep in touch walks. “What’s happening?”
- Accountability walks. “Where are we making progress?”
- Plans for the weekend walk?
- What’s working walks?
- What could be better walks?
- How can I help walks?
7 suggestions for wandering focus:
Greet everyone, but try centering your attention on certain groups when you wander around.
- Support staff.
- Customers.
- Supervisors.
- Front-line employee.
- New employees.
- Choose a division. Visit HR or Accounting.
- Contractors and vendors.
Culture building tip: Expect all managers to engage and report on wandering around.
How might leaders take wandering around to new heights?
Which of these ideas could you implement today?