Local management : an indispensable model for the modern company
" A good proximity manager doesn't lead from the top, but walks alongside his team, listening, supporting and inspiring everyone to give their best. " Anonymous
Today's world of work is undergoing radical change. Issues such as well-being at work, telecommuting, employee commitment and turnover are challenging traditional management methods. In this context, proximity management is emerging as a particularly effective model. Based on communication and empathy, this more human management style promotes both well-being at work and employee performance. For today's manager, it's essential to implement it.
What is proximity management?
The proximity management is a management style based on communication, exchange and empathy. It includes a human dimension that is often absent from other management styles, such as "authoritarian" management. More participative than directive, it is based on open communication and employee involvement in the company's decision-making processes. Relations at work are based on trust. The local manager clearly defines each employee's role within his or her team, as well as his or her tasks, encourages initiative and provides constructive feedback. The local manager looks after the well-being of his employees, without forgetting the notion of performance.
The challenges of proximity management
To understand how proximity management works, it's essential to understand what's at stake.
The first is communication: it lies at the heart of the concept of proximity management. As Paul Watzlawick said, "You can't not communicate. Managers listen to their staff. He or she encourages open communication by organizing group meetings designed to reinforce team cohesion, and the involvement and commitment of all departments. Regular individual exchanges also provide constructive, personalized feedback.
Another pillar of proximity management is recognition. Managers value the work done by their staff. They entrust employees with tasks in line with their qualifications and level of responsibility. Regular reviews are organized to monitor the progress of projects and recognize successes, thus boosting employee motivation and self-esteem.
Close management is also based on trust. The manager trusts his employees: he entrusts them with responsibilities and grants them autonomy, both of which are essential to employee commitment, and consequently to their involvement and performance. The local manager understands the direct link between commitment and performance, and leverages this link to promote both individual well-being at work and the achievement of the company's overall objectives.
How do you set up proximity management?
As a manager, would you like to review your management methods and develop a more participative management style, based on communication, exchange and employee empowerment? Implementing proximity management is essential in today's business environment. This style of management will enable you to have more effective teams and reduce turnover by promoting well-being in the workplace.
However, changing management style doesn't happen overnight. Here are a few possible development actions:
- Encourage active listening: Pay attention to your employees' needs and concerns.
- Encourage participation: Involve your team in decision-making and value their ideas.
- Develop recognition: Celebrate successes regularly and acknowledge everyone's efforts.
- Grant autonomy: Trust your employees by giving them appropriate responsibilities.
- Communicate regularly: Hold team meetings and individual interviews to keep the lines of communication flowing.
Use a coach to support you
Individual coaching is a popular solution for managers who want to develop their skills effectively at a local level. It offers customized support, adapted to your specific needs and to the challenges of your company and environment. A coach specialized in supporting managers will guide you in identifying the changes you need to put in place to develop a more human, caring and engaging management style.
Would you like personalized support?
Make an appointment with Isabelle Ferlin, an accredited coach with 30 years' experience in people development. She'll help you build a close-knit management culture within your team, promoting well-being at work and collective performance.
Conclusion
The adoption of proximity management is essential to meet today's challenges in the world of work. By focusing on communication, recognition and trust, this human management style contributes to improving employee well-being and company performance. As the proverb says , "Alone we go faster, together we go further", so don't hesitate to ask for support in this transition, so that you can put in place appropriate and effective management practices.
"Management's role is to simplify complexity so that every employee can focus on what really matters." Margherita Della Valle.