- In this podcast episode, Ken Ockel discusses how leaders can better connect with their employees when they ask questions.
- Leaders should make themselves accessible to employees and not create barriers or obstacles to communication.
- Leaders should act welcoming and give their full attention when employees approach them with questions or concerns.
- Leaders should be honest in their responses and not paint a false picture of the situation.
- Leaders should thank employees for bringing issues to their attention and create an environment of ongoing communication.
- Ken Ockel also promotes his website where listeners can find more information and resources.

Welcome to Episode 631 of the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast.

Hi, I'm Motivational Keynote Speaker Ken Ockel.

When an employee asks you a question, are you prepared to answer?

Because the employee is not just looking for information, they're likely also watching to see how you answer.

At a time when retention may be a concern, you may want to make sure your behavior is not a turn-off.

Use these tips to help you better connect with your employees.

If you're in a leadership role, then you need to be accessible when an employee asks you a question.

This is especially true if you promote an open-door policy.

In some organizations, getting an audience with the boss is a challenge.

The leader works behind several gatekeepers and there's no process for an informal conversation.

Don't make employees feel like you rule from a castle that is surrounded by a moat, which is full of alligators.

Visibility and accessibility are important parts of employee engagement, especially if you promote yourself as a leader who listens.

While your physical door may be open, is your mind?

Are you able to focus on the other person or do you see a knock at the door as an interruption of your productivity?

If you appear distracted or annoyed then the other person will pick up on it.

Yes, people may approach you at the worst times with questions or concerns, but you need to treat them with respect and give them your full attention.

If you can't in that moment, then schedule the conversation for a later time.

This has to be a scheduled time and not a vague promise.

Another strategy could see you set up office hours, like university professors, when you have a certain time frame when people are welcome to visit.

Your responses to questions or comments need to be honest.

Don't feel like you have to solve every problem, share the truth or as much of the truth as you can provide.

Don't paint a picture that does not represent reality.

People may not like the current situation but they'll resent you if they find out later you were lying.

It takes courage to speak up about something and these conversations may offer valuable insight into your organization.

Do Remember that when an employee asks you a question, they want to be heard and acknowledged.

Thank them for bringing the issue to your attention.

Even if this particular issue was unimportant, It's smart to create an environment where ongoing employee communication can thrive.

Want to find out if I am taller on stage?

If so, then go to my website KenOchol.com.

While there, you can read some of my articles, you can watch some clips of me on stage, and you can sign up for my three-part course.

That's all about improving your performance on the job.


Speaker 0: Welcome to Episode 631 of the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast. Hi, I'm Motivational Keynote Speaker Ken Ockel. When an employee asks you a question, are you prepared to answer? Because the employee is not just looking for information, they're likely also watching to see how you answer. At a time when retention may be a concern, you may want to make sure your behavior is not a turn-off.

Use these tips to help you better connect with your employees. First off, can they reach you? If you're in a leadership role, then you need to be accessible when an employee asks you a question. This is especially true if you promote an open-door policy. In some organizations, getting an audience with the boss is a challenge.

The leader works behind several gatekeepers and there's no process for an informal conversation. Don't make employees feel like you rule from a castle that is surrounded by a moat, which is full of alligators. Visibility and accessibility are important parts of employee engagement, especially if you promote yourself as a leader who listens. Next up, Act Welcoming. While your physical door may be open, is your mind?

Are you able to focus on the other person or do you see a knock at the door as an interruption of your productivity? If you appear distracted or annoyed then the other person will pick up on it. Yes, people may approach you at the worst times with questions or concerns, but you need to treat them with respect and give them your full attention. If you can't in that moment, then schedule the conversation for a later time. This has to be a scheduled time and not a vague promise.

Another strategy could see you set up office hours, like university professors, when you have a certain time frame when people are welcome to visit. Let's talk about being honest. Your responses to questions or comments need to be honest. Don't feel like you have to solve every problem, share the truth or as much of the truth as you can provide. Don't paint a picture that does not represent reality.

People may not like the current situation but they'll resent you if they find out later you were lying. Finally, thank them. It takes courage to speak up about something and these conversations may offer valuable insight into your organization. Do Remember that when an employee asks you a question, they want to be heard and acknowledged. Thank them for bringing the issue to your attention.

Even if this particular issue was unimportant, It's smart to create an environment where ongoing employee communication can thrive. Want to find out if I am taller on stage? If so, then go to my website KenOchol.com. While there, you can read some of my articles, you can watch some clips of me on stage, and you can sign up for my three-part course. It's free.

That's all about improving your performance on the job. Thanks so much for listening. Hope you're enjoying this series. Subscribe if you want to hear more. I'm Ken Ockel.

Take care.

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How to Answer Employee Questions (1)