In the hierarchy of a corporation, the upper echelons of leadership often seem shrouded in an aura of detachment, leaving a divide between C-suite executives and the rest of the workforce. However, a significant transformation is underway as more organizations recognize the value in cultivating more approachable leadership. For C-suite leaders who remain elusive, the journey toward becoming more accessible can be a challenging, yet rewarding, one.
Below, 14 Forbes Coaches Council members share strategies leaders can employ to become more visible and foster genuine connections with people throughout the organization. Leveraging these methods, executive leaders can benefit not only from their own personal growth and development, but also from the positive impact it has on company culture, collaboration and performance.
1. Establish Quarterly Small-Group Coffee Chats
A great way to connect with people in the organization is to establish quarterly coffee chats with a small group of employees. Ask your leadership team to identify key people throughout their organizations, at all levels, who would provide perspective and would benefit from the opportunity. Remember to manage your talk-to-listen ratio. You’ve got two eyes and two ears to one mouth for a reason! – Melissa DeLuca, DeLuca & Willow
2. Walk The Halls Or Host A Lunch-And-Learn
I always ask leaders the question: “What do you want?” If they want to be more visible, then the answer is to prioritize being more visible. The simple act of walking the halls or hosting a lunch-and-learn can go a long way toward increasing visibility. After leaders set the priority and determine the activity, they then need to get it on the calendar. A leader’s calendar must reflect their priorities. – Robin Pou, The Confident Leader
3. Let Employees Engage With You In A Relaxed Setting
Set up bimonthly, 30-minute “Coffee with the C-Suite” meetings to allow employees to engage with you in a more relaxed and comfortable setting. It can be held in person for those in the office and done digitally for those at remote locations. – Luke Feldmeier, Online Leadership Training – Career and Leadership Accelerator for Engineers
4. Actively Engage And Be Present In The Workplace
Bottom line: Increasing your visibility and accessibility means actively engaging with employees, being present in the workplace, attending meetings and creating opportunities for informal interactions. By making themselves more available and approachable, leaders can build better relationships, understand employee perspectives and foster a more connected and collaborative work environment. – Morgan Massie, Leadership and Training Concierge
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5. Use Vulnerability As A Connection Tool
I don’t think there is a more powerful connection tool than vulnerability, especially when making up for lost time, as in this scenario. Start off conversations with each person you meet with something like, “I know I haven’t been visible. It’s a personal struggle of mine and one I am working on. I’d like to start to connect with folks more. What’s something I don’t know about you that I should?” – Alex Draper, DX Learning Solutions
6. Start Showing Up
Start showing up, literally and figuratively. It’s not brain surgery, but it does require a brain (and a heart). If you know you aren’t being seen due to either your own choices or other circumstances, change it. Attend or hold meetings with your peers and/or skip-level reports. Go speak publicly to ensure you are addressing the people who work for you. Take a sincere interest in others, and be consistent. – Joshua Miller, Joshua Miller Executive Coaching
7. Integrate Weekly ‘Ask Me Anything’ Meetings
As a C-suite leader, you can integrate a weekly “Ask Me Anything” practice into your business life. It works well both in person and in a virtual format. AMAs initiate the expression of radical vulnerability from both sides. They also help foster a culture of trust, curiosity, agility and connection. – Alla Adam, Alla Adam Coaching
8. Encourage A Safe, Inclusive Culture
C-suite leaders can be more approachable by communicating openly and regularly with all employees, participating in company events, showing empathy, mentoring, practicing transparent decision-making and modeling desired behaviors. Encouraging a safe, inclusive culture where employees can voice their ideas also boosts connection and visibility. – Lara Augusta, Embracing Potentiality
9. Drop In Unexpectedly; Ask How Visible You Should Be
Like a photobomber, drop in unexpectedly for a casual hello and motivational pep talk. You can do it both virtually and in the office. The surprise element will make you memorable, and the feel-good factor will linger with staff becoming points of conversation. Push yourself further as a leader by also asking employees for ideas on how they would like you to become visible to them. – Arthi Rabikrisson, Prerna Advisory
10. Participate In Ground-Level Tasks
For C-suite leaders to become more approachable, they must get their hands dirty—literally. Participating in ground-level tasks can help them understand the challenges their team faces. Regularly scheduled open-door hours and town hall meetings can foster open communication. Remember, it’s not just about being seen; it’s about being a part of the team. – Peter Boolkah, The Transition Guy
11. Utilize Empathy Hubs
Empathy hubs are dedicated spaces and events for C-suite leaders to connect with employees informally. Empathy hubs create an environment of empathy and openness, breaking down hierarchical barriers and facilitating meaningful connections throughout the organization. This approach fosters a positive and engaged workforce, leading to improved productivity, retention and overall organizational success. – Anna Barnhill, Barnhill Group Consulting, Inc
12. Initiate Contact With Purpose
Making small talk and walking the floor aren’t comfortable for every leader. For these coaching clients, we find it more effective if they initiate contact with purpose. People are flattered when a leader seeks their expertise or opinion; we encourage more introverted leaders to generate purposeful questions they can ask to initiate one-on-one contact. For group settings, we encourage leaders to go in with a goal. – Emily Grandinetta, MCC, Grandinetta Group, LLC
13. Implement An ‘Open Door’ Policy
Have an “open door” policy. If you’re in a physical office space, allow people to drop in if they want to talk to you. Be genuine and transparent during these conversations. A lot of employees are fearful about talking to those on levels above their direct manager, so make sure to communicate that it’s not only okay—it’s encouraged! – Stacey Ackerman, NavigateAgile
14. Get Curious And Go Ask Team Members Questions
I would say get curious and go ask questions of team members all across the organization. Invite them to share what they are working on and how it makes an impact on the big picture for the organization. Ask them to share obstacles and blockers, and then find a way to help them. This is a listen-to-understand moment; it’s not about listening to respond. Make them feel safe and let them share. – Ricky Muddimer, Thinking Focus
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