I can regularly be found in the same few coffee shops. Same time, same seat, same roast.
I get to know the people behind the counter. Their names, their interests, and even their moods. These communities ground me. And, as it happens, I ground them too. How do I know?
After recently moving to a new office space, I started frequenting the second location of one of my favorite haunts. When I stepped up to the counter to place my order I was met with - “What are you doing here? They are going to be so upset that you are coming here now”. Followed by, “You take care of this woman, she is an important customer!” (from the manager to the employee ringing up my order). I was gobsmacked. I was flattered. But most of all, I was instantly invested in this new place.
That’s how it works with us humans. We invest in people and places that are invested in us. And how do we know they are invested? They show up regularly!
I remember speaking to an HR Director who after being hired immediately started visiting their offices around the country. At first people were visibly nervous when they showed up. The last HR Director only showed up for terminations. Like Pavlog’s dog, teams had a visceral response when HR walked through the door. It took a number of visits before people relaxed. It took showing up regularly.
The reverse can also happen. When asked about a new team leader, an employee told me that the leader only showed up when they needed something. This was very different then their last leader who checked in regularly. I could feel the disappointment in her voice.
When do you show up for your team? When you need something? Or, for regular check-ins?
We all want to be seen. We all want to be appreciated. Showing up regularly is an important part of managing a team.