I met with one of my favorite clients a few weeks back. He has semi-retired, and he is now President Emeritus at his current bank. I adore this man, even though it has been about 15 years since we worked together.
I asked him what he attributed to his success.
He said, “It’s my management style.”
This was NOT the answer I expected. “And what is that?” I asked.
“MBWA.”
Huh?
“Manage by wandering around.”
I laughed out loud. I mean, really? This was one for the books. But the more I thought about it, the more brilliant it is.
He told this story about “The J’s” in the accounting department: Julie, Janie, Jamie and JMonica. They all laugh and laugh every time he walks into the department. He jokes. Then, he asks how things are going. And, they tell him.
As a management process: He gets to know their names. He gives nicknames. He establishes rapport. He is consistent. He listens. He asks. Then, he isn’t caught unaware.
In the restaurant business, we used to say that you can’t run a restaurant from the office. MBWA is the same concept, presented more memorably by a man who has been very successful for a long, long time.
Today, I challenge you to get out of your office. Go see what you see. Go hear what you hear. Talk to your staff. See where your adventures take you. You might be surprised by what you learn.
POWER THOUGHT: It is time to leave your office and manage by wandering around.
***Thank you, Tom C! You are a true gem!