Improving Employee Relations with Face Time

Here’s a sneak peak excerpt from a column by Jeff Mowatt (JeffMowatt.com) on five ways to improve office politics and employee interactions.

Talk in person

Too often, we initiate communications to other departments in writing when we should opt for face-to-face conversations. When you have a new request or procedure that requires explaining, begin by talking in person to that department’s key influencers. Ask for their advice – literally. That word lowers their defenses and helps generate buy-in. Ask who else you should be talking to on their team – including any naysayers. Finally, when you decide upon the most likely to be accepted course of action, send a short written summary; more as a confirmation than as a proposal or directive.