HR Wednesday: The “Walk Around” Management Style

Image credit: quinn.anya

What’s your management style? Are you a hands-on boss, or do you like to stay in your office and let your employees come to you? There are benefits and negatives to every type of management style. But there are some management styles that are not as prevalent as they once were. Sure, some styles are outdated, but some management tactics aren’t so bad. We’re going to focus on one of those almost-forgotten, but still swell styles today.

“Management by walking around”

This style has almost gone defunct because of today’s busy office environment, telecommuting and flextime. But there are ways managers can still “walk around” the office, even if many of their workers aren’t located in the same physical building.

The article, “The Lost Are of Walking Around,” by Sharlyn Lauby suggests the following interesting, and easy-to-follow examples:

“Take the walk: Stepping away from your desk can be a good thing. It’s exercise. Use some of those moments when you need to take a break to visit employees.

Wander around virtually: Really can’t get away? Is your team thousands of miles away? Check in using email or the social collaboration tools your company provides.

There’s a reason Management by Walking Around became so popular. It works: Managers building relationships with their employees is essential for business. Now, I will admit, technology innovation may have changed the “walking around” concept. But the idea is still the same.

Companies shouldn’t put managers in the position where they have to choose between reports and employees: Managers should be able to do both. And managers shouldn’t use reports as an excuse not to spend time with their employees. It’s time to rediscover the lost art of walking around.” – Source: HR Bartender, Lauby