Summary: Get to know your employees casually over a meal in the lunchroom and be a “regular person” who employees can approach.
No, I’m not looking for restaurant suggestions. Actually I would like to recommend a great place to you! The best part is that it is close by (no matter where you live or work), it’s easy to get a table and you won’t have to eat alone. The prices are reasonable as well – added bonus.
Where is this wonderful place?
Your company lunchroom! Surprise!
Yes that place/room with tables, chairs, a microwave, coffee and possibly a vending machine. It is also the place where your employees hang out. You can get to know them in a non-meeting setting and they get to know you as regular person. Taking the time for each of you to get to know each other will reap great rewards for you business. Your employees will appreciate the added interest in them that’s not work related and you will come across as a approachable person and great leader.
Here are somethings you can learn:
- Who volunteers and where
- Who bakes
- Who has kids
- Who has pets
- Their favorite TV show or movies
- Who is a leader in their community
- Their favorite sports team
- Offer to support their volunteer work
- Have follow up conversations about their kids, pets, sports, etc. – show genuine interest
- Use this information in future meetings. For example: If you want to discuss the company strategy for the year, use sports or movie analogies to help with explaining the outcomes
- People who are leaders in their communities will also be good people to lead teams or projects
- For the people who like to cook and bake – ask them to contribute to the next employee function (offer to pay for the groceries)