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Access means everything. In the healthcare industry, timely access to needed high quality and affordable services is a best practice that all embrace. Being accessible to staff should be a best practice for leaders as well. In my coaching project engagements, I often hear extraordinary stories from staff who are disappointed in their leaders because they have become expert in staff avoidance . Intentional or conveying an appearance of staff avoidance is just not a desirable trait for leaders. Connectivity with staff is a key ingredient in creating and sustaining a nurturing and welcoming company culture.
While flooding the work space with your personal mobile telephone number and personal email address is not necessarily recommended, there are many approaches that could be used to help your staff feel like they are on speed dial with you. It's a new year and you may wish to invest in the following practices to give your staff comfort that you are on speed dial if they need you. (Satisfied employees have value; we all know the price we pay for a rapid moving staff revolving door):
1)
Send a daily motivational message through the Intranet. Brand with a recent photograph if messaging is not live ! (There are company employees who don't know who their CEO and executive leaders are. This type of messaging could be invaluable in connecting with customers as well. Those big screens located strategically in the company have multiple uses. Most companies have at least one large mounted TV screen accessible to their internal and external audiences.)
2)
Create an online platform for staff to communicate their concerns, ideas, satisfaction and more
3)
Recognize employees of the month in the newsletter and on the Intranet
4)
Meet with the entire team at least once quarterly to celebrate their performance and association with the company. Share other significant information as well. Personalize stories to the extent possible
5)
Walk the work space and greet all with a smile and hello (Take this on even when you are having a challenging day as a returned smile and hello from staff can be a pick up !)
6)
Dine in the employee cafeteria and arrange for lunch with known supporters and those who are known not to be. (I always like to hear from naysayers.)
7)
Recognize significant events in the life of staff members with a personal note or card.
While the above may not align with your needs, they may trigger some other thoughts. Please also feel free to connect with Marilyn at consulting@mhwest.com for learning of more approaches and their outcomes from placing your leadership on speed dial.
DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER IN RICHMOND AND THE UPCOMING MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY ON JANUARY 16, THE FIRST M4 TELEPHONE CONNECT WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 - 2 PM.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER AND PASS CODE ARE: 1.712.775.7031 AND 872839#
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