There is a trend in today’s workplace for managers to
show their vulnerable side. Team members do not want a hierarchical boss; they
want to feel as if everyone, including the team leader, shares the load and
works toward the same goal on a somewhat equal basis.
To show their human side and connect with team workers on
an individual basis, managers share personal stories. Sometimes this works;
other times it feels entirely inappropriate and has the opposite of the
intended effect.
Those in the business of communication skills training
give some guidelines:
- Be sure you are fully aware of regional and cultural norms. If you get too personal with people who are not used to such sharing, you may offend rather than charm your workers.
- Remember the goal—to engender trust and a feeling of friendship. Be sure that the personal story you talk about has relevance and leads toward that end.
- Do not let it get too personal. Some stories should not be shared and are entirely inappropriate in the workplace. If you would not want it published in the paper, keep a lid on it.
