Being approachable is key to building relationships with your colleagues, and to creating a strong team in which trust, confidence and ideas can flow. ... Team members who have approachable managers feel able to contribute ideas in a safe working environment. They're not scared about being knocked back.

Why is being approachable important as a leader?

Approachability increases exponentially in value as you climb the ladder into leadership positions. “Employees will trust you more, and interviewees will be more likely to open up to you,” writes Camarote. “When you put people at ease, you enable them to think and do their best in your presence.

What makes a person approachable?

Approachable people are described as smiling, leaning forward with eagerness, nodding their head as to say “go on”, and giving approving (not piercing) eye contact. It's setting the environment for the person to feel comfortable in your presence.