Workplace

A few months ago, during a coaching session with a client, the client asked me, "What do you think I should do about an employee who frequently interrupts me to get my input regarding how to handle problems?"

I am often asked this question by my clients. This predicament usually stems from poorly or inadequately documented business systems that can cause a manager to be viewed as the all-knowing person to answer questions. As a result, employees come to depend too heavily upon the manager's presence, experience and decision-making abilities.

So to answer my client's question, I responded the way I always do: "You need to 'Ferberize' your employee."

A helpful technique

Ferberization was invented by Dr. Richard Ferber, director of The Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at Children's Hospital Boston, to solve infant sleep problems. The technique, which Ferber details in his book, Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems, involves progressively teaching infants to fall asleep on their own and avoid becoming highly dependent on their parents.

The Ferberization technique suggests putting an infant in bed at bedtime and leaving the room; returning at progressively increasing intervals of time to comfort the infant (without picking up the infant); and, each subsequent night, returning at intervals longer than the previous night.

Obviously, I am not suggesting you treat employees as you would treat infants; what I mean when I tell my clients to Ferberize their employees is they should try to apply the same basic principles Ferber discusses in his book toward handling employees' excessive questioning.

When employees frequently—and often unnecessarily—approach you at work or call you to ask questions, do not respond immediately. Give your employees a chance to figure out answers to questions without your assistance. By waiting progressively longer before responding to questions, you will allow your employees to develop problem-solving skills. And, importantly, employees will feel the rewards that come from solving their problems independently.

Additionally, encourage your employees to use available resources and/or confer with co-workers to come up with solutions to challenges or obstacles. I suggest you tell employees, "Before you come to me with a problem, come to me with three solutions."

By using these techniques, you will help Ferberize your employees, making them more dependent on themselves and confident in their own problem-solving abilities and less dependent on you.

Encourage initiative

Employees' dependence on you can make it nearly impossible for you to take a work-free vacation or even a personal day. Additionally, it can keep your employees from reaching their full potential.

Using the Ferberization method can encourage initiative among your employees and show them how to be more resourceful on the job. This ultimately will benefit you, your employees and your business.

Jonathan Goldhill is chief executive officer of The Growth Coach,® a Los Angeles-based personal and professional coaching company.