Interaction or Interruption

When people talk about Management by Walking Around, I wonder how many take a close look at their own MBWA style. Lincoln would make the effort to go out and meet his troops and constituents to gather information. He learned from the people he met.

Having recently taken on my first Director's position, I am working to show my MBWA style. Like Lincoln, I am in a position of needing to learn about my staff and my new surroundings. Like Lincoln, I convey a genuine interest in the views and experiences of my constituents. I make it a point to walk across the campus multiple times a day. I learn more by talking to people in their own arena then summoning them to my office.

But the important part of MBWA is to be genuine. Listen to people. Acknowledge their opinions. Be INTERACTIVE. Think back to the managers you have worked for. Did they listen and evaluate your input or were they merely an INTERRUPTION? Were they "Natural Disaster" mangers? You know the types. The first is "The Hurricane". They blow through, barely acknowledging your presence. Demands are made, questions are asked but answers seem unimportant. The other is "The Tornado". They suddenly appear, put their finger into a situation and it blows up. They leave you to follow up and clean up.

I challenge us to consider and emulate the desire Lincoln had for knowledge and information. Have we become comfortable or complacent in our positions? Do we walk around to develop new or improved relationships or merely to get air? Our interest in others fosters their trust and respect. This makes us great leaders. Interact. Don't interrupt.