Open Exchange

Strong leaders have a way of creating an environment that allows for honest and open exchanges with employees no matter how extreme the circumstances. A lot of this responsibility also falls on the shoulders of the employee, but the development of the environment that allows for opening up about extreme circumstances falls directly on the shoulders of the leader.

The creation of an open-exchange environment aids a leader's ability to avoid surprises. I personally have let the individuals who make up my team of direct reports know that I am not a fan of surprises. They have a clear understanding that I would much rather be made aware of a negative situation directly from them verses through the inevitable grapevine. I also let it be known that they will not be met with negativity but with concern and a strong desire to offer assistance in finding a proper solution. Surprises can come in all shapes and sizes. One particular example is when a leader finds out that one of his or her employees is looking for or has been interviewing for another position. This is a tough situation to effectively manage and can be a subject that very few employees would feel comfortable talking about with their direct supervisor or hiring manager. Nonetheless, if a leader has paved the road of open exchanges and invested in building strong enough professional and trusting relationships, employees will have enough repect to make sure the leader is informed of other job offers, discontent with his or her position or environment, etc. Better yet, this can create an opportunity for you, as the leader, to build greater equity in a solid performer to the point that the employee feels better about his or her job and future opportunities within your organization, as opposed to continuing to foster a negative "grass is always greener" state-of-mind.

Make sure your folks know that you care about their professional, personal and mental well-being. This will go a long way in putting you, as their leader, in a position to avoid major surprises because their level of respect for you will not allow it to happen.

What was the situation surrounding your last surprise from a leadership standpoint and how did you deal with the issue?

Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership. - Colin Powell