2 Discussion
By listening to the suggestions of employees, discussing work, and talking on a casual level with their staff, managers may better understand their motivations, abilities, interests, concerns, etc. At the same time, these also provide good opportunities for managers to communicate their thoughts and principles, and guide or develop their staff.
Employees usually have complaints and ideas of which their supervisors are unaware, and many would like a channel in which to express these. Supervisors must be receptive and good listeners towards complaints and suggestions such as these. Relationships between supervisors and staff are sure to suffer otherwise. Without mutual trust and two-way communication, it is difficult to develop staff effectively.
It is important for managers to create opportunities for conversation with their staff whenever possible, as this is very useful for giving guidance and developing staff. In doing so, they should bear in mind the following points.
・Create a relaxed atmosphere where staff may feel free to speak their minds
On a daily basis, managers should inform their staff of everything that they need to know, always be available for discussion, and create opportunities for conversation whenever possible. In this way, staff may feel less distant and develop a deeper trust for their manager.
・Make a concerted effort to create opportunities for discussion
For most people, bosses are depicted to be unapproachable figures. For those who are reserved by nature, it is especially difficult to talk openly with their boss. Managers should therefore make concerted efforts to have more interaction and conversation with their staff. When engaging in conversation, however, managers should be careful of the timing and considerate towards the employee's work schedule and conditions.
・Always listen seriously to complaints from staff
It is unacceptable for managers to ignore complaints with the excuse that they have no time or the problem is too difficult. No matter what the situation, it is important that managers take it upon themselves to help solve the problems of their staff. They should provide their staff with ample opportunity to air their views, and let them feel that their opinions have been given serious consideration. In this way, even if their ideas are not finally adopted, staff will feel satisfied that they had an opportunity to speak and will grow to trust their boss.
