It’s a common problem amongst business managers and owners, as well as team leaders and even day-to-day staff: as your business enlarges and expands, you find yourself backing off from the front lines of your business. Perhaps you’re stuck in the back office, working on bigger-picture things like marketing strategy and revenue models. The problem is, you’ll start missing day-to-day issues if you don’t stay on the front lines!
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to stay in touch with the front line, that all-important business-to-customer connection point, and keep your finger on the pulse of your office.
Maintain Open Communication With Staff
Perhaps the number-one barrier to remaining on the front lines of your business is a lack of communication. If you don’t speak with staff members, how are you ever going to know what’s happening day-to-day in your office?
Speak with your staff regularly; ask them about their concerns, how things are going, what could be improved… you’ll be surprised what you find out! You can even encourage staff members to email you directly with concerns, thoughts, or suggestions. Make it clear that you’re available, and you’ll be in direct communication with those on the front lines.
Block Off Time for the Front Lines
In addition to communication, it’s important that you actually spend time on the front lines if you hope to remain in touch with the pulse of your operation. Block off an hour in the morning to spend at the reception desk, helping out your front-desk staff and dealing with customers’ needs in person. Set aside time in the afternoon to assist in your conference rooms or warehouse area. Not only will this boost office morale, giving your staff confirmation that everyone is on a level playing field, it will give you direct insight into what’s happening on the front lines!
Recognize and Encourage Leadership
Recognize who the natural leaders are on your team, and invite them to communicate directly with you when they have concerns or thoughts. This way, even when you can’t be on the front lines, you have a direct conduit to what’s going on. It’s also important that a business’s key players are recognized and celebrated for the great work that they do. A team who feels that their contributions are recognized is a team that feels valued—that’s a key step in maintaining open communication and helping you to remain on the front lines.
Don’t lose touch with your business. By keeping in close communication with fellow staff, spending time every day on the front lines, and recognizing and rewarding great work, you’re not just being a great coworker, culture leader, or manager. You’re making yourself a part of the front lines of your business!
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