The relationships that you form with each of your direct reports are central to your ability to fulfill your three core responsibilities as a manager: Create a culture of feedback, build a cohesive team, and achieve results collaboratively. But these relationships do not follow the rules of other relationships in our lives; they require a careful balancing act. You need to care personally, without getting creepily personal or trying to be a “popular leader.” You need to challenge people directly and tell them when their work isn’t good enough, without being a jerk or creating a vicious cycle of discouragement and failure. That’s a hard thing to do.
Small Talk Is an Overrated Way to Build Relationships with Your Employees
Get better at giving feedback instead.
July 25, 2017
Summary.
The best way to build relationships with your employees is to improve how you work together, not to take a break from working. Listen to employees during your one-on-one’s. Let them set the agenda, but at the end solicit feedback on what you could do or stop doing that would make you a better boss. Give feedback — both praise and criticism — that helps your employees grow. Achieve results collaboratively by taking time to debate important decisions, and making sure it’s clear who the decider is. And, finally, have the kind of career conversations that are not narrowly focused on career ladders, but instead help each employee take a step in the direction of their dreams.
New!
HBR Learning
Developing Employees Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Developing Employees. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Support and challenge your direct reports to help them reach their potential.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
Developing Employees Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Developing Employees. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Support and challenge your direct reports to help them reach their potential.