E-couragement: FaceTime

“How can the most challenging area within organizations today be the one thing that has remained virtually the same—people?” Rich Schlentz, Your Employees Have Quit—They Just Haven’t Left Two weeks ago my oldest daughter departed from Raleigh-Durham International Airport. She left to live in Antibes, France for four-months. A graduate student, this is Taylor’s third study abroad experience. On Saturday afternoon, January 18, 2014, I did something I rarely ever do. Considering the circumstances, I felt like it made sense.

Taylor and I spoke through FaceTime. That’s right, we used our iPhones and scheduled a video call. Although we regularly use texts and emails since she's left, something was missing without seeing her face. Moments after viewing her smile and unique expressions, the thousands of miles separating us evaporated. Making face-time part of our conversation helped create a deeper connection.

When our chat was over, it occurred to me how challenging this is in the workplace—and it’s taking its toll. My clients are committed to improving workplace engagement and the business results that accompany it. They also admit their busy schedules and over-stuffed calendars leave little opportunity for face-time with those they lead and work beside. This negatively impacts personal and team performance within their organizations. Although working in close proximity to their direct reports, they may as well be thousands of miles away, utilizing texts and emails as a primary form of communication.

Bob Nelson, author of 1001 Ways to Reward Employees, tells us that “time with my manager” is a top form of recognition employee’s value from their leaders. Nelson states:

In today’s fast-paced world of work in which everyone is expected to get more done faster, personal time with one’s manager is in itself a form of recognition. As managers are busier, taking time with employees is more important to do.

It’s time to reconnect with your direct reports. Time to listen, support, coach, and encourage them. Time to have the difficult conversation you’ve been putting off for months. All these interactions work best face-to-face...human-to-human. This means making people a priority in your workday. Having the discipline to do this provides you with greater loyalty, increased productivity, and more engaged employees. Ultimately it’s time well invested and a smart business decision.    

Leave your comments: What value do you experience from creating face-time with your direct reports or coworkers?