Three simple ways to be a better manager in 2008: to tap the strength of your workers, get to know them.

• Author: Wiesner, Pat
• Position: On MANAGEMENT

It is the time of year to be resolving to do things a little better. I recently came across these ideas that will make us all better managers and people in 2008. Here are three simple ideas:

* Get out of your office.

* Ask two extra questions.

* Convince people they "can do it."

I think they will pay huge dividends.

GET OUT OF YOUR OFFICE.

Just walk around, talk to people, zone, be interested, be a human being. Talk to people about everything--business, the ball game, everything.

Some managers don't realize just how intimidating the boss's office is. Particularly if he happens to be one of those who build sort of a citadel of their office, with a conference table for staff with his/her desk at the head. When we have been summoned to the boss's office we are on guard, on our best behavior, and we have all our defensive filters operating.

If you and I are really interested in finding out what makes people tick, if we really want to communicate with the people on our team, we will do much better sitting in their office than in ours.

Don't bring problems from your office to theirs; bring interest in them with you at the top of the menu.

ASK TWO EXTRA QUESTIONS.

One of your kids comes in asking, "Can I go to the midnight movie with my friends?" or one of your team says, "I have a plan that's better than yours," or your customer says, "Sorry, but we think your competitor has better quality."

We are all pretty much spring-loaded to respond to these types of situations defensively and negatively. In doing so we serve clear notice whether we want to or not that we are not interested in new ideas, an open mind or in trusting our kids.

Skillful managers and leaders will stop and ask a couple of questions that give the other person a chance to explain and sell their idea. It gives you a chance to get more information to make your decisions. And it sends a signal that we are willing to listen. That automatically makes us a...