New managers often chase results at the expense of their team's well-being. Ask two questions: "What support or communication do you need from me?" and "How can we make this project smooth and even enjoyable?" Then listen without interrupting.
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Results matter, but so does how you get there. Emotionally intelligent leaders balance two things: first of all, achieving the goal; secondly, supporting the people doing the work to achieve the goal. In a hectic environment with multiple projects, conflicting deadlines, multiple stakeholders, it can be really easy to focus largely or completely on progress towards a goal, or indeed lack of progress towards a goal. People unintentionally can become sidelined. Here are a couple of questions to ask your team members that equip, enable, and encourage candid dialogue. What are one or two things you'd like from me in terms of support, input, or communication? Second one: This project is really important, but I want to know how we can have a smooth journey, perhaps even enjoy it too. What are your thoughts? Then be silent. Let your colleagues share their ideas with you. That's the kind of communication that engages, equips, and enables people to share their ideas so you don't have to guess. It develops a healthy emotional climate, and also it can really help in terms of partnership. You're the boss, they report to you, but it's not being an authority figure, it's being a partner in enabling good things to happen. Give it a try.
