Being Approachable

Here are some things you can do to enhance your approachability and encourage team members to come to you when they need your help. Click on each item to learn more.

+ Body Language

+ Being Present

+ Let’s Talk

+ Beyond Talk

Body Language

A huge percentage of communication involves body language, or nonverbal cues. People can see what you’re saying ofttimes before you speak a word. You’ll be hard pressed to have someone approach you if your body language is communicating that you’d rather not engage in conversation.

So what does your body say? Are your arms folded, which could be signaling that you’re not open to listening? Are you slouching, which could be seen as having no interest? Or are your hands on your hips, which could be communicating disbelief?

To show that you are approachable through your body language, straighten your back and relax your posture, keep a comfortable yet slightly open stance, and keep your arms by your side (use open palm gestures), or in a comfortable position in front of you, if you happen to be seated (don’t forget to lean forward, smile when appropriate, nod your head to show agreement, and make positive eye contact).

Being Present

One thing we’d like to add is your presence, or lack thereof, could be communicating to your team that you’d rather be left alone. We suggest that you get out and interact with you team as much as possible.

This will allow you to build even stronger relationships, while helping them get a few things done.

Let’s Talk

What you say goes a long way when inviting open communication and establishing rapport with team members. Promote positivity each day by greeting everyone and ending each day with a farewell.

It’s important to make time to engage your team as much as possible to check on their wellbeing. Ask how they are doing, and if there are any issues or concerns they’d like to discuss, this should be done with empathy and sincerity.

And be sure to follow up by asking if they have any thoughts or ideas about how to make things better. Furthermore, you should express your willingness to communicate with them whenever there is a concern.

Beyond Talk

Saying you have an “open door” policy, or expressing your willingness to communicate openly is one thing, actually following up and taking action based on what was discussed is another. Being approachable also means being true to your word.

When a team member approaches you with a problem or concern, you should do everything you can to help fix the problem. This includes documenting the concern, involving Human Resources, and following up to ensure the problem is fixed.