From Ciara Cooke, Head of Consulting
In that past few years, I have found that for small businesses, the traditional top-down management approach is giving way to a more collaborative and approachable style. As leaders, we have the opportunity to redefine what it means to manage effectively. One of the most impactful ways I have found works best for our team, is by adopting an affiliative management style.
The Shift Towards Relational Leadership
Affiliate management is not about being overly casual or lacking authority. It is more about putting an emphasis on building strong relationships and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. By prioritising connection and communication, I have found that this has created an environment where team members feel valued, engaged, and motivated. Embracing relational leadership at eDiscovery Collab, we’ve seen this boost productivity and employee satisfaction.
Benefits of Affiliative Management
Enhanced Communication: Affiliative management encourages an open dialogue around progression, knowledge gaps, responding to errors, and business development ideas. I believe that when employees feel comfortable expressing their ideas and concerns, it leads to better collaboration and innovation. This can be achieved through regular check-ins, informal conversations, and an open-door policy which can break down barriers and facilitate a safe space to communicate. We spend most of our time at work, and therefore want to make it as enjoyable as possible. Speaking to your team with respect is so important, and I find that it is always reciprocated not only through words, but in actions.
Increased Engagement and Morale: I have found that by being an approachable manager, the engagement is at its highest. As a leader, when you show genuine interest in the team’s well-being, it cultivates a sense of belonging and respect for one another. For example, if one person in our team is working back late to finish a task, without question the whole team will be asking how they can help to get the job done faster. There is a sense of “you are not alone – we are all in this together”.
Stronger Team Dynamics: Setting the standard of being approachable has promoted a real sense of camaraderie amongst our team. By fostering positive relationships, we all genuinely get along and have created a supportive environment where collaboration flourishes. Teams that trust one another are more likely to innovate. In our team, I have found that it encourages team members to work better together to problem solve and bounce ideas off one another. As a result, we have become more efficient and work like a well-oiled machine as we find it easy to communicate with one another and share ideas.
Greater Employee Development: If you take the time to understand your team members’ strengths and aspirations, you can tailor development opportunities accordingly. Taking this approach at eDiscovery Collab has allowed me to provide constructive feedback that is framed positively, enabling employees to grow and advance in their careers.
Improved Problem-Solving: When a friendly rapport exists between our team leaders and consultants, the consultants are more likely to bring issues to light before they escalate. This proactive approach to problem-solving can save time and resources while fostering a culture of accountability.
Implementing Affiliative Management
From our experience, we’ve found these strategies helpful for building a cohesive and effective team:
- Practice Active Listening: Make a conscious effort to listen to your team. Show empathy and validate their concerns. This not only builds trust but also demonstrates that you value their input.
- Encourage Team Collaboration: Create opportunities for team members to work together. This could be through brainstorming sessions, team-building activities, or collaborative projects that leverage diverse perspectives.
- Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge both individual and team accomplishments. Celebrating successes, big or small, reinforces a positive atmosphere and motivates employees to strive for excellence.
- Be Approachable and Authentic: Share your own experiences and challenges. Authenticity fosters a genuine connection, making it easier for employees to relate to you and feel comfortable coming to you with their own challenges.
- Seek Feedback and Adapt: Regularly solicit feedback from your team about your management style. Be willing to adapt based on their input, demonstrating your commitment to improvement and responsiveness to their needs.
Incorporating affiliative management into your leadership approach can have a profound impact on your team’s dynamics and overall performance. As workplaces continue to evolve, leaders who prioritise relationships and communication will be best positioned to inspire their teams and drive success. By fostering a friendly environment, we can create workplaces that are not only productive but also fulfilling for everyone involved. Embrace the power of friendly management and watch your team thrive.