Not all of us are natural 'people' people and you will find that those that appear to be so have often worked on it and, more importantly, capitalised on what they do best. Whether working in a team, managing a project, or creating new business the need to interact with, engage with and influence others is vital to success.

Three aspects of 'people stuff' are availability, approachability and accountability. Over this and the next two issues of Leadership Matters we will be investigating each of these practices in more depth.

Availability:
This means providing access to you so that those you work with feel they can come to you with questions, comments and frustrations. This can be achieved in a number of ways from regular one-on-one meetings, to leaving your door open or having a sign as an indicator of your availability. Making yourself available is key to leading a successful team. However, there is a cost, availability can too easily create interruptions to your working day. It may often feel like you are constantly bombarded with people needing to talk to you and that you never get any of your own work done. The following may be of some use in confronting these challenges and enhancing our availability.

If you don't book it in, it won't happen - Stephen Covey's principle of 'First Things First1' may prove to be very useful. Make sure that at the beginning of each month, week or day you put in to your diary your 'first things', that is, the things that are most important to you and your work. Example 'first things' might be a set time to exercise, an afternoon of study, time with family or a set hour each day to catch up on correspondence. Paradoxically by 'limiting availability' you probably increase it as a result of a clearer focus. By structuring your day or week in this manner you will find that not only do you get your 'first things' (and the many small things that are also pressing) done but you will also have time to deal with the minutiae of a busy working life. In this way, you can give the appropriate time, focus and respect to those you meet.

Keep the 'gatekeepers informed' - Not knowing where your leaders are is immensely frustrating, so my staff tell me! When you are out of the office, make a real effort to return calls when someone has left a message. Also, update your voicemail message regularly to inform people of what you are doing and exactly when you will be available. Let people know that you are there when they need you.

Be available for you - It is also vitally important to let people know that there will be times when your mobile will be off, that you will not be checking email and that you are having a break from work. This is easier said than done, but to sustain a healthy working life one must include periods of rest and recovery for mind and body. In truth, if you can't be there for yourself, physically and mentally, you are going to struggle to be there for others.

Reflective Questions
How available am I?
Do I protect my availability?
When did I last have 'me time' to reflect and re-focus?

1 Covey, S. R., and Merrill, A. R., First Things First, Simon and Schuster, January 1999.

Phil Wall
CEO