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In this week’s Leadership Lessons from Dag, I’d like to focus on a simple yet powerful practice that Dag Hammarskjöld used to foster connection and break down barriers: informal coffee hours. During his time as Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dag understood that effective leadership was not just about making big decisions in formal settings. It was also about finding ways to connect with people casually, making them feel comfortable and valued. His coffee hours were a brilliant way of doing just that.
Breaking Down Hierarchies
Dag’s coffee hours were informal gatherings where staff and colleagues could gather for a cup of coffee and open conversation. These meetings were devoid of the formality that often characterizes interactions between leadership and staff. There were no agendas, no strict protocols, and no rigid hierarchies—just people coming together to talk.
In a highly structured environment like the UN, where clear lines of authority existed, these informal gatherings helped dissolve the distance between leadership and staff. By creating a space where anyone could approach him, Dag showed that he was accessible and that he valued the input of everyone, regardless of their title. There was only one rule: honest communication with no reprisal. Whatever was offered, be it praise or criticism, the environment was one of listening, not defensiveness.
The Power of Approachability
One of the most impactful aspects of Dag’s leadership was his approachability. In a role that often placed him at the center of intense international crises, Dag found ways to maintain a human touch. His coffee hours exemplified this by creating an environment where individuals didn’t need an official meeting or a formal invitation to speak with him. They could simply drop by, have coffee and donuts, and chat.
This practice was more than just a nice gesture; it was a statement. It showed that Dag was not above anyone else—that he was part of the same team. This sense of accessibility is something that many leaders struggle to achieve. By being available in a casual setting, Dag dismantled the traditional barriers that can make leaders seem distant or unapproachable. He demonstrated that being present and genuinely interested in people is an essential part of effective leadership.
Encouraging Open Dialogue
The informal nature of these coffee hours encouraged open dialogue. Without the pressure of a formal meeting, people were more likely to speak candidly, share their thoughts, and contribute creative ideas. Dag valued this openness because it allowed him to get a true sense of what was happening within the organization—not just the polished reports or official statements, but the real perspectives of his colleagues.
In these moments of shared conversation, Dag listened more than he spoke. He used these opportunities to understand the concerns and ideas of his team members, making them feel heard and appreciated. This kind of openness helped build a culture of transparency, where people felt more connected to their work and more willing to contribute their best efforts.
A Lesson for Modern Leaders
Dag’s coffee hours serve as a reminder that leadership is about more than just strategic decisions and formal directives. It’s about creating environments where people feel valued, comfortable, and willing to share. In today’s world, where remote/hybrid work and packed schedules can make it difficult for leaders to connect personally with their teams, finding simple ways to create space for voluntary informal interaction is more important than ever.
These moments of open dialogue build trust, dismantle barriers, and create a sense of belonging—all of which are crucial for a motivated and effective team.
I am the author of the forthcoming book, Decoding the Unicorn: A New Look at Dag Hammarskjöld, where I explore Dag’s leadership style and his personal journey in greater depth. For updates, please go here: https://sara-causey.kit.com/2d8b7742dd.
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