Most managers are surprised to receive the news from 360-degree feedback or employee surveys that their employees consider them to be out of touch. Managers need to realize that they are the most significant communication channel that their employees have access to. When done right, communication between a manger and his or her associates can create a connection between the associate and the company. When not done correctly, it can also create a great divide. Employees prefer to get communication from their direct manger or supervisor over any other source. The most effective way to share communication is through an informal “walk-around.” One aerospace company had fared so poorly in an employee engagement survey that they asked employees what could be done to improve. The walk-around technique was cited as the most powerful way for management to reach out and bridge the trust problem with employees. A focus group formed to address the problems at the company recommended a weekly, informal walk-around for all managers at the director level and higher. Employees wanted their managers to come to their work places, not when something was wrong, as was currently the case, but so that they could get to know each other and spend some time listening to each other and sharing ideas. Walking around and talking sounds like it should be an easy technique, but it really isn’t. Many managers don’t know where to begin. The following action plan can offer some tips to get started:

1. Get out of the office
2. Leave behind the cell phone
3. Start slow
4. Ask questions
5. Drive involvement
6. Listen
7. Make eye contact
8. Make it two-way communication
9. Be honest
10. Process information
11. Show appreciation
12. Never quit