Leaders Who Get It: Habits That Make You More Approachable

You know that one person who just seems super easy to talk to, like you could walk up and chat about anything from the weather to your deep-seated fear of parallel parking? They’ve got that vibe, right? Now, imagine if your boss or team leader had that same energy. Game-changer, huh? Being approachable isn’t just a “nice to have” quality for leaders—it’s the secret sauce that makes people actually want to engage with you. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want that?

Think about it: the best leaders are the ones who make you feel comfortable sharing your ideas or even confessing that you totally messed up that one project (oops). They’ve mastered this magical balance of being open, understanding, and, most importantly, human. The good news? You don’t have to be born with this mystical gift. Becoming approachable is a skill anyone can build—yes, even if you’re the person who struggles to make small talk at the coffee machine.

Whether you’re leading a small team, a giant department, or just trying to level up your influence at work, learning how to be more approachable can make a huge difference. It’s all about creating a vibe where people feel at ease coming to you—whether they’re hyped about a new idea or just need to vent about how IT hasn’t fixed their email yet. Trust me, it’s worth it. Let’s dive in.

Active Listening

Let’s be real: listening is way more than just nodding along and tossing in the occasional “mm-hmm” to seem interested.

It’s about actually paying attention to what someone’s saying—and not just waiting for your turn to talk. Stephen R. Covey put it best when he said you should listen to understand, not just to reply. Listening with this mindset is crucial for building trust and fostering real connections. Makes sense, right? No one likes feeling ignored or dismissed.

So, how do you level up your listening game? First, try actually making eye contact (and no, not the creepy, never-blink kind). It shows you’re locked in and paying attention. Next, ditch the habit of jumping in while someone’s mid-sentence—trust me, it’s harder than it sounds. And if you’re not 100% sure what they meant, repeat back a summary of what you heard. Something like, “So, you’re saying the printer’s acting possessed again?” Simple, but it shows you’re on the same page.

Here’s the thing: when people feel heard, they’re more likely to trust you, open up, and, you know, not avoid you in the break room. So, grab those listening skills and start using them. It’s not rocket science—it’s just making people feel like their words actually matter.

Effective Communication

You know how sometimes people talk, and it feels like they’re speaking in riddles, leaving you wondering if you accidentally missed the secret decoder ring memo? Yeah, let’s not do that.

Being clear when you talk isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. If your team is left guessing what you actually meant, they’re not exactly going to feel pumped about coming to you for clarity.

The trick here is to keep it simple. Don’t overcomplicate things with fancy terms or overly long explanations that make people zone out. Use language that makes sense to everyone in the room—or Zoom call. And when you’re explaining something, don’t assume people are mind readers. Spell it out without being condescending.

But communication isn’t a one-way street. When people speak up, don’t just hear words—actually absorb what they’re saying. Ask questions if you’re not sure, and don’t be afraid to throw in a “Wait, so what you’re saying is…” to make sure you’ve got the right idea.

Oh, and humor helps too—nobody ever complained about a leader who could laugh at themselves. The goal is to create an easy, open exchange where no one feels like they’re walking on eggshells. Make communication less about formality and more about connection, and watch how much smoother everything runs.

Showing Empathy

You know that feeling when someone actually *gets* what you’re going through?

Like they’re not just nodding along but genuinely tuned in? That’s empathy in action, and it’s kind of a big deal—especially if you’re in charge of a team. No one wants to work for a leader who acts like a robot or brushes off their struggles with a generic “You’ll figure it out.”

Here’s the deal: showing empathy is less about having all the answers and more about just being present. If someone on your team is having a rough time, take a second to step into their shoes. Imagine what it’s like dealing with their deadlines, that coworker who “forgets” to reply to emails, or whatever life’s throwing at them outside of work. Then, instead of spouting some canned pep talk, try saying something real like, “That sounds tough—how can I help?”

Little things go a long way too. If someone seems stressed, ask how they’re doing and actually stick around for the answer. If they’re juggling too much, offer to help or adjust their workload. It’s not about fixing everything; it’s about making sure people know they’re not on their own. Bottom line? When you show you care, people notice—and it makes you the kind of leader they actually want to approach.

Being Accessible

Let’s be honest—sometimes leaders get so buried in meetings, emails, and, oh yeah, more meetings, that they accidentally give off “Do Not Disturb” vibes.

But if you’re aiming to be approachable, your team needs to feel like you’re actually around—not some mythical figure they hear about but never see. One way to do this? Be intentional about carving out time. Maybe it’s a quick check-in over coffee or blocking a chunk of your calendar just for team chats. Trust me, those little moments go a long way.

Another tip? Make sure people know how to reach you without it feeling like they’re interrupting your busy life. If you’re into Slack, Teams, or even just good old-fashioned email, let your team know what works best and encourage them to actually use it. Oh, and don’t forget to respond. Fast replies can make someone feel like a priority, even if it’s just a quick “Got it—let’s talk soon.”

And here’s the kicker: accessibility isn’t just about being physically available, it’s about giving off that vibe that says, “Hey, it’s cool, you can talk to me.” Whether you’re walking the office floor, popping into a Zoom meeting, or just not hiding behind your desk all day, being present shows your team you’re genuinely there for them—no decoder ring required.

Maintaining Humility

You know what’s not a good look? Acting like you’re always the smartest person in the room.

Nobody’s buying it, and honestly, it just makes you look kind of… exhausting. Humility, on the other hand? That’s the real MVP when it comes to being a leader people actually want to talk to. It’s not about pretending you don’t know anything—it’s about owning up to the fact that you’re not perfect. Spoiler alert: none of us are.

Made a bad call? Admit it. Forgot to follow up on something? Say so. People respect leaders who can be real about their mistakes instead of sweeping them under the rug like they never happened. Plus, it sets the tone for your team to do the same, which makes everyone feel a little less scared to mess up. And hey, sharing a self-deprecating joke now and then doesn’t hurt either—because nothing says “I’m human” like laughing at the time you accidentally sent an email to the wrong department.

Oh, and don’t hoard all the credit when things go right. Give props where they’re due. Whether it’s your team’s stellar work or that one genius idea someone threw out in a meeting, acknowledging others’ contributions makes you way more relatable. Bottom line? Lose the ego—it’s just getting in the way of you being the leader everyone wants to grab coffee with.

Building a Positive Work Environment

A positive work environment isn’t just about free coffee or casual Fridays (though, let’s be honest, those help).

It’s about creating a space where people feel respected, supported, and, most importantly, not dreading Monday mornings. When your team feels like they can trust you, they’re more likely to stick around—and not just because they need the paycheck. In fact, research by Gallup shows that employees who trust their leaders are 61% more likely to stay with the organization.

One easy win? Celebrate the wins—big or small. Did someone crush a deadline? Let the team know. Did Bob finally figure out how to unmute himself on Zoom? That’s a win, too. Small acknowledgments go a long way in making people feel appreciated.

And hey, don’t underestimate the power of a little fun. Team lunches, inside jokes, or even a quick “Who wore it better?” contest over someone’s bold shirt choice can bring everyone closer. At the end of the day, a positive vibe doesn’t just happen—it’s built through consistent effort and showing you actually care. Bonus? It makes you a whole lot easier to approach.

Selling a property? Give us a call today and learn more about our professional photography services that can boost your property listing!

Also, explore our sister company for exclusive luxury listings you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to tune into our new podcast for even more valuable insights!