An empowered leader makes being accessible a priority. Some ways that one can be accessible is by holding regular office hours, open corporate meetings, walking around the organization periodically just to create a bonding with the staff and employees. A huge key is simply regularly returning phone calls and emails; being accessible requires a sincere intention to be open and available to others.

Being warm and open can go a long way to being recognized as an accessible leader. However accessibility requires one to have an open attitude and a strategy for making it clear that the door is open. If you hold regular meetings it will mean little if those meetings are not widely publicized and people are not actively encouraged to attend.

Accessible leaders remember to recognize the successes of others find ways to celebrate these successes.  A great leader knows how to praise and offer encouragement when tasks are done well, and they can also offer constructive feedback regarding improvement.

How do you look at the people who work for you?  I hope it is with respect and appreciation.  Today, Oprah’s show featured Larry O’Donnell, CEO of Waste Management, Inc. It was startling what he learned about his company when her went undercover. He did this, because he truly wanted to understand what was going on in the jobs and lives of the hourly workers. As a result he was able to make some very positive changes that would effect folks on the job and in their personal lives. It is  important that you are willing to look beyond your own walls and meeting rooms, reach out and get to know the people that make your business run; those that see your customer every day.  When the front line is happy your customers will see it on their faces and hear it in their voices. Your staff with hold you in high respect and will work their hearts out for you.  You be loyal to them and they will return the loyalty three fold. Your employees with feel appreciated and validated