The Leadership Communication Skill That Matters Most: Being Available

By Wade Paterson

More than 90 percent of employees say their leaders are bad communicators. That's a staggering statistic — and one that should give every leader pause. Throughout this eight-part series on communication tips for leaders, we've explored everything from public speaking skills to running effective Zoom meetings to communicating better with staff in person. But this final instalment addresses something deceptively simple, yet profoundly powerful: being available.

What Makes a Great Leader?

When people are asked what makes a great leader, the answers vary widely. But one response stands out above the rest: a good leader is available. They maintain an open-door policy — and not just in principle. Their team members genuinely feel welcome walking through that door without the anxiety of feeling like an intruder or a disruption.

Think about the best leaders you've ever worked with. Chances are, they were the ones who made you feel comfortable approaching them at any time. You might have worried you were interrupting, but their response was always the same: "Come in, come in." That kind of consistent warmth and openness is the hallmark of an effective communicator and a trusted leader.

The Difference Between Good and Bad Availability

Now contrast that experience with leaders who make you feel like you're walking on eggshells. You tiptoe around their office. You rehearse your question three times before knocking. You feel nervous just approaching them. That kind of environment doesn't just stifle communication — it erodes trust, morale, and productivity.

The leaders people genuinely appreciate and respect are the ones whose doors are already open, both literally and figuratively. And without exception, those leaders tend to be exceptional communicators across the board.

Why This Tip Is Different From the Others

Here's what makes this particular communication skill unique compared to everything else we've covered in this series: it operates on your employees' time, not yours.

Previous tips — like walking the hallways each morning, initiating casual conversations, or asking non-work-related questions — are all actions you can plan and execute on your own schedule. Being available is different. It requires you to respond gracefully when someone else needs you, often at inconvenient moments.

You might be deep in a project, fully in the zone.
Someone appears at your door with what looks like an urgent request.
Your knee-jerk reaction might be to wave them off or say "later."

Resisting that impulse is what separates good leaders from great ones.

How to Practice Genuine Availability

Being available doesn't mean abandoning all boundaries. If you're in the middle of a meeting, that's understandable. But if you are available, make the conscious choice to welcome the interruption rather than push it off. Here's how to do it well:

Make the person feel welcome. Stop what you're doing, make eye contact, and give them your attention.
Listen without judgment. Even if their question seems obvious, never make them feel silly for asking it.
Express gratitude. A simple "Hey, thanks for stopping by — I appreciate it" goes a long way.

That employee will walk away with a far better impression of you as a leader. More importantly, you'll be building something invaluable: trust.

It All Comes Back to Trust

At its core, great leadership is about building trust. When your employees believe they can come to you with anything — a problem, a question, a concern — without fear of dismissal or ridicule, you've created a culture of open communication. And that culture doesn't just make people feel good; it makes teams more effective, more innovative, and more resilient.

Every tip in this series — from improving your public speaking to mastering virtual meetings to being present with your staff — ultimately serves the same goal: earning your team's trust through better communication.