This article was published on the INSEAD Knowledge website.
Be interested in your subordinates
First of all, you must be interested in the members of your team on a level not related to work. Be interested in what they do when not at work, their interests, priorities, etc. Always treat your employees as individual people.
Admit your mistakes
The best way to show you are human is to admit to your mistakes. For example, you plan a project but the situation develops differently and it turns out your predictions were incorrect. If you show subordinates your ability to admit a mistake and learn from it, not only will you seem authentic but also show your employees in practice how they can ideally behave if they find themselves in a similar situation in the future.
Confess something personal to your subordinates
You might never establish a friendly relationship with someone on an informal level if you always stick to strictly work-related topics. You could start by confessing something personal to a subordinate. But don't overdo it and avoid using subordinates as confessors or therapists.
Notice the mental state of your employees
In order to get on the same wavelength with employees on a personal level, you must learn to detect their mental states. If you see something is bothering an employee and they are not doing well at work, try to discuss the issue in a non-forceful manner with no prejudgements. This will make you appear much more human.
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