Harvard expert claims that Fortune 500 CEO consistently asking employees 'Well done' is excellent leadership.

To become a better boss, TIAA CEO Thasunda Brown Duckett advises talking less and listening more.

Duckett, 51, conducts monthly "jam sessions" with small employee groups to discuss their ideas, concerns, and perspectives with her directly.

When she became president and CEO of the insurance giant three years ago, Duckett began a routine of sharing her insights on LinkedIn's "This is Working" podcast.

Duckett explained that Coffee and T, which is always no more than 10 people, has a commonality among its members, whether it's their job title or years of experience.

Duckett, a CNBC 2024 Changemaker, states that these sessions aim to determine what employees enjoy about working at TIAA, where they perceive advancement, and where they identify inefficiencies.

Duckett claims to have a question that she consistently uses to prompt employees to open up in front of the CEO.

"If I were in your shoes, what would be the one change you'd make as CEO, like, "Finally I can get something done"?"

Duckett stated that asking one question can help you instantly connect with your employees and keep you sharp by reminding you of their daily concerns.

Duckett has established a recurring meeting with "Coffee and T" to create a culture where employees feel "heard without judgment," as she stated on LinkedIn.

A study by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania reveals that individuals who feel they can contribute their ideas and voice their concerns are more engaged, perform better, and are less likely to leave their job.

A great example of leadership, but not a one-size-fits-all strategy

Professor Joseph Fuller of Harvard Business School commends Duckett for promoting open and transparent communication among her employees, as reported by CNBC Make It.

Over the past ten years, Fuller has focused on researching highly accomplished individuals, including Fortune 500 executives and Nobel Prize laureates.

The best bosses, he believes, are those who cultivate an atmosphere of valuing and listening to employees and instill a sense of trust.

He explains that trust is a key factor in a happy and productive work environment.

Gaining trust and respect as a new boss can be achieved by asking open-ended questions and creating a safe setting for people to share their unfiltered thoughts, as Duckett does with "Coffee and T."

"Duckett's strategy was praised by Fuller as effective. By engaging with a wide range of employees in an informal setting, she became more approachable as a leader and inspired employees to spread positive word about her. If the coffee chat went well, people would boast about it to their colleagues, resulting in a snowball effect."

He advises that taking employees' feedback with a grain of salt is necessary because their suggestions may not always be practical or unbiased.

Duckett and other leaders attempting a similar approach should actively listen to employees and express gratitude for their feedback, but never guarantee to implement all recommendations.

Duckett advises other managers to adopt the same strategy that has been "instrumental" in her leading TIAA, as recommended by her.

""Your presence will greatly contribute to the development of a positive culture in your organization, and you will not regret it," she wrote on LinkedIn."

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