When working with managers, the conversations cover a myriad of topics. In most cases, the subject eventually turns to complaints about employees. About not being able to keep people focused on their work, about assigning projects and tasks and that the work does not get done, or that the work that is done is done poorly. That they take too many breaks, arrive late or leave early. If you’re a manager reading this, you could no doubt add to this list as I have touched on but a few.
Many years ago, I was visiting with a client named Alison. We were talking at some length about her operation and what she had uncovered as a need and how Transglobal Development could potentially assist her in adding much needed skills for a segment of her workforce. Usually I schedule these initial visits to last about an hour, however, in this instance we were still talking after 90 minutes. Suddenly the computer screen behind her lit up and buzzed. She spun quickly in her chair looked at the screen and just as quickly spun back telling me that we needed finish our discussion. She asked if she could have 7 minutes and told me I was welcome to stay in the office while she was gone. I said sure, but that I would stretch my legs just outside the room. With that, off she went.
I waited just a bit and stood up myself and looked out over the floor. I saw Alison at the far end of the office. She walked a bit then stopped and talked. Walked a tad more and then would stop and talk. I witnessed her stop for a full minute, get a serious look then pull out her iPad and type something. On she went walking and talking and pointing, sometimes smiling and laughing. She was closer now and I could see she was headed back my way. Our eyes met, and we both nodded that we were ready to resume our discussion. She had been gone a little less than 7 minutes. Interestingly we wrapped up in less than 10 minutes, stood and shook hands in agreement on the next steps for skill building. As we moved towards the door I turned and asked permission to ask one last question to which she agreed.
I told her that I had observed her moving through the office stopping here and there but for only seconds at a time. She asked me what the question was. I blushed and asked, “We were almost done and yet you got up, had me wait and visited a random number of desks, Why not just finish with me first? Her face straightened and she said, “Well I knew we had to finish but to be honest Kris, my employees are more important than you.” As I shook my head in agreement she continued saying that she learned long ago that in order to keep people focused, she had to manage by walking around and that these moments were scheduled and never missed. Encouraging her I quizzed, “Tell me more”
Alison explained that she felt that her employees needed to see her regularly in and around their work areas. That by doing so she saw a decrease in goofing off, the right amount and duration of breaks, could quickly spot potentials conflicts. That work was getting done on time and done right the first time. Alison added that by scheduling walks twice in the AM and twice in the PM people felt supported, valued and most importantly were connected to the business. “You have time for that and schedule it?” She turned to her calendar and pointed out that Monday she walked at 8:20 and 11:50 AM, 1:20 and 4:30 PM. While on Tuesday she walked at 9:30 and 11:00AM and 2:00 and 3:30PM. It never lasts more than 7 minutes, my admin assistant knows my schedule and sets my meetings accordingly. Impressed, I told her I always understood the concept of management by walking around but that she had taken it to a new level. She replied, “My employees are worth 28 minutes a day don’t you think?” Agreeing we shook hands and as I left I turned one more time and said, “Thanks for the lesson.”
There are many effective methods of raising the level of engagement in your employees. If you’ve never tried this one, do so quickly. If you want more from your managers and more from your employees you’re going to want to contact us, we will be able to help. Call 917.930.0801 or email info@tda-mail.com for a free consultation or check out our website at http://www.transglobaldevelopment.com.