Strengthen your team by asking this question

Dan Berger Leadership is all about steering your team and organization in the right direction. You set the vision, culture, and expectations for your employees to thrive in their roles. But how often do you ask your employees how they're doing? You likely have regular one-on-ones with direct reports, but are you intentional in making sure they have everything they need for success?

David Dye, a leadership expert and author, suggests leaders ask this simple question regularly: "How can I help?"

As one of my recent blogs explained, people are reluctant to ask for help for a number of reasons. By asking, "How can I help?" you're taking some of the pressure off your employees who might be uncomfortable coming directly to you.

Dye further outlines some things leaders should listen for when asking to help:

Equipment and skills they need. While it can be expensive, it's important to keep your office's tech and training up to date. Slow computers or unorganized platforms can greatly hamper productivity. And if you want to keep your company competitive, providing employees with training that will take their skills and problem solving to the next level is imperative. Be willing to invest in these areas, and let your employees know you're open to hearing their pitches as to why it's needed.
Obstacles you can remove. Office bureaucracy and busy schedules can slow down projects. Lower-level employees might feel uncomfortable pushing too hard on an executive for signoff. That's where team leads come in. When asking for status updates, ask how you can help move it along and show your employees you have their back to get things done.
Gaps in critical thinking and problem solving. I'm a big proponent of empowering employees to address problems as they see fit. If you notice your employees aren't sure of next steps or where the solution lies, avoid the urge to micromanage or criticize. Instead, put your servant leadership into action and ask the right questions to guide them to the right path.

As presidents/CEOs/senior executives/team leads, we have a lot on our plates. But don't let your busy schedule keep you from your main responsibility: Being their for your employees and ensuring they have what they need to be successful.

By asking "How can I help?" you demonstrate that you care about your employees' needs. A willingness to help in your office culture will greatly improve employee morale and boost productivity.

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