MBWA suggests that a great manager/leader should reverse the action and build an environment where they are on a mission to find employees doing the right things, good things within the work that they love doing. The goal is to be looking for reasons to praise employees and team members in public. So in this new environment, when they see the boss coming they’re excited to see them.
So if you’re a business owner or manager, it’s time to “practice” MBWA.
Here are a few tips on building your “wandering around” skills.
- Appear relaxed as you make your rounds. Employees will reflect your feelings and actions.
- Remain open and responsive to questions and concerns.
- Observe and listen and let everyone see you do it.
- Make certain your visits are spontaneous and unplanned.
- Talk with employees about their passions — whether family, hobbies, vacations, or sports.
- Ask for suggestions to improve operations, products, service, sales, etc.
- Try to spend an equal amount of time in all areas of your organization.
- Catch your employees doing something right and recognize them publicly.
- Convey the image of a coach — not an inspector.
- Encourage your employees to show you how the real work of the company gets done.
Try MBWA sometime in your management and leadership position. The time and money you spend in finding great employees and then keeping them is worth the effort. They just don’t need to spend time in a fearful environment when the world is focusing more and more on stimulating work cultures . The manager swinging the “YOU HAD BETTER FEAR ME” stick is a Neanderthal living in a new business world. That management tactic is archaic and long gone in its applicability and value.
So what do you say, let’s take a walk?
Be GREAT
Coach Dan