Proximity management: why and how to adopt it?

Today's world of work is undergoing radical change, with issues such as well-being in the workplace, teleworking, employee commitment and turnover challenging traditional management methods... In the face of these changes, proximity management is emerging as one of the most effective models. Based on communication and empathy, this more human form of management promotes both well-being in the workplace 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 may be lacking in 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 manager clearly defines each employee's role within the 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 fully understand how proximity management works, it's essential to understand the issues involved. The first is communication is at the heart of the concept of proximity management. The proximity manager listens to his employees. He encourages open communication through group meetings designed to strengthen team cohesion and the involvement and commitment of all departments. They also organize regular one-to-one exchanges, to provide constructive feedback.

The second challenge of proximity management is the recognition. The local manager encourages his employees by recognizing the work they do. He commits employees to assignments that match their qualifications, with an appropriate level of responsibility. Here again, regular check-ups can be organized to monitor the completion of assigned tasks.

Proximity 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.

But changing your management style doesn't happen overnight. How do you develop this new management style? The individual coaching is a popular solution for managers seeking to evolve the way they support their teams. It consists of tailor-made support, adapted not only to you, but also to the challenges of your company and environment. A coach who specializes in supporting managers guides you to understand what changes you can implement to make management more human, more caring and more engaging.

Would you like to make an appointment with a coach for a customized individual coaching program? Contact Isabelle Ferlin, an accredited coach who has been working on personal development for 30 years.

Many an educated man is unaware that the only way to change an idea is to change an action.