If you're like many leaders, you probably work diligently to ensure that your department or organization maintains professionalism. And it starts with you, the leader, setting the proper example with both your clients and your team members.

Professional, however, does not necessarily mean that you have to be formal in all of your interactions. In fact, an informal environment can be an effective way of creating openness with clients and team members. When there's a personal, informal connection between people, there's more openness than in a formal atmosphere, where people tend to be more guarded.

The case for maintaining an informal (yet professional) environment is simple. With an informal environment people are more likely to ask questions, express trepidation, or offer honest opinions resulting in behaviors like:

• Team members openly expressing concerns, asking for clarification on a job task, or offering ideas for improved productivity.
• Clients readily informing you (instead of your competition) about any concerns they may have about the products and services you provide.

• Ensure that team members know you both welcome and appreciate honest feedback.
• Practice "leading by wondering around," making yourself available to chat with team members outside of formal environments like staff meetings.
• Help team members feel valued by being aware of individual contributions and offering sincere kudos for such accomplishments.
• Really get to know team members as individuals.

And with clients:

• Don't rely strictly on formal customer surveys. Make it a point to informally chat about what's going right and what might be improved.
• Try to call or meet with clients for informal conversations at least quarterly or at some other appropriate interval.
• Stay active in community activities and/or associations where you have an opportunity for informal interaction with clients and potential clients.