Management Suggestions: Communicating

One of my organization’s biggest strengths and biggest challenges is that we have a main office and several satellite sites.  This week I got a chance to talk to some satellite coworkers I rarely see, and it was fantastic to get to reconnect.  I spoke with one coworker in particular, largely about communicating with supervisors.

What I Realized:

• When people work really really hard, they need to know that the people above them do also.
• The wheels that aren’t squeaking still need you.
• It’s easy to assume the worst in lieu of facts.
• Face time, with people and at places, makes people feel better.

Management Suggestions:

• Face time.  Make time for it.

• Make sure that at least some of your hard work is visible.
  • If you’re at work at 10pm, make sure to send some emails then.  Time stamps are subtle and say a lot.
  • Share your to-do lists, projects, and finished products.
  • Take a moment (not an hour) at check-in meetings to report on what you’ve been up to too.
  • Make at least some piddling tasks a priority.  Fix that water cooler, address the lighting in that parking lot, help with that crazy landlord.

• The line between trusting an employee and ignoring an employee has a lot to do with the employee’s perception.
  • Send a quick thank-you to the people doing a great job.  Acknowledge that you’re being very hands-off, and that you’re still there when they do need anything.
  • Have regular meetings and switch up the location.
  • Publicly recognize accomplishments, and not just the momentous ones.

What are some other suggestions or lessons that come to mind?  How else can management communicate effectively?