When you hear the phrases, “May I have a word with you” or “May I see you in my office,” do you think, “Uh oh, what did I do now?” This response does not create the optimal environment for you or your people to perform at their best. To create a better environment, you should invite people to come into your office to give them a compliment or simply ask them how things are going. The goal is for people to think of coming into your office or conversing with you as a normal part of work.
Regardless if you have positive or constructive feedback to share, the words, “May I have a word with you” or “May I see you in my office,” are not enough to communicate purpose, especially if the office meeting is not immediate. Think about saying words similar to, “I would like to discuss the project you completed” or “I would like to discuss the way you handled our clients yesterday.” Being clear about the subject of the meeting will help prepare your people for conversations and quell the fear of the unknown. It does not matter if the conversation is about correcting a mistake or complimenting a behavior. Asking people to have a conversation with you should not invoke dread.
People need and want to know what is expected of them and how they are performing. While we spend time coaching people about what they did incorrectly, it is important to invite people “into the office” to highlight what they do well and should continue to do. People who receive positive reinforcement will work with more confidence and know that the company values them. When people receive positive feedback, their expectations change around “having a word” or being called “into the office” to discuss a topic. When people are not afraid to engage in open dialogue, the workplace becomes more productive and an overall better environment.
George Heyman