In every business, the people closest to the customer typically have the answers to challenges that may exist. People on the ground, in the warehouse, in the barn, or in the kennel also have the answers to many questions the business needs to answer in order to grow their business. Great leaders put themselves in position frequently to interact with their entire team to get access to the wisdom and answers that are needed to improve the business.
This management style has been termed 'management by walking around'. Effective leaders regularly walk throughout their businesss, asking questions, listening to their team members, and creating an environment that is open to input from the team when things need done or when opportunities are recognized. According to The Economist, as written by W. Edwards Deming: “If you wait for people to come to you, you'll only get small problems. You must go and find them. The big problems are where people don't realise they have one in the first place.”
Go find your big opportunities. 'Walk' your business regularly to interact and listen to your team members. They have the answers.
