What is engagement?

Continuing on with our exploration of the LEADER behaviors (LEAD, ENGAGE, ACHIEVE, DEVELOP, EMPOWER, RESULTS) today’s article will look at the second behavior, namely engage. What exactly is engagement?

Engagement is a word that is tossed about lightly. We’ve all heard that engagement is a good thing, but why? Engaged employees describe work as being “fun” and “energetic.” Sounds good so let’s take a deeper look at what engagement is, and why it is so important.

The concept of employee engagement comes from work done by William Kahn, who described engaged employees as putting their physical, cognitive, and emotional selves into their work. What this means is that when you have a high level of engagement you are willing to work harder, which is great for the organization you work for, but what is in it for you? 

Research also shows that engaged employees enjoy their work more, and actually achieve higher levels of physical and emotional well-being. Let that settle for a moment, your work effects your physical health and your mental attitude. It makes sense…

Think about a time when you worked in a job that you really enjoyed, with people who you admired and felt connected to. Think about a leader who inspired you, one which you not only wanted to work for, but who you knew cared about you, and had your best interests in mind. How much extra effort were you willing to exert, and did it feel like work at all? What great things did the team achieve?

What about a team you really enjoyed being part of. Everyone had each other’s back. Everyone pulled in the same direction. Everyone worked together. How much more did that team achieve? And, how much did you enjoy the work you did?

Sounds great, so what can we do to create a more engaging environment? It’s actually pretty easy and straightforward. Here are the key actions that lead to higher levels of engagement:

• Build a foundation based on shared esteem. People want to know that their work matters, and more importantly that you care about them as individuals. Moreover, they want to know that what matters to them, matters to you. Take an interest in each individual on your team. Take the time to know who they are. Respect, embrace, and value diversity.
  

• Extend and cultivate smart trust. Trust is a key ingredient of any high functioning team. However, you cannot ignore that trust can also be a gamble. This is why we need to use smart trust. Follow your gut and use your best judgment. Do not blindly trust everyone, but do not be so hesitant that you trust no one. Ask the right questions to be informed. Be worthy of being trusted by staying true to what you say you will do.
  

• Promote self and peer development by supporting, teaching, and learning from and with each other.  Knowledge is power, information is king. But sharing knowledge increases your value and strengthens the results of the team. Be passionate about your learning. Help others by being a trusted teacher and advisor. Treat every day as an opportunity to learn. Every person you meet has something to teach you. It is your job to understand what that lesson is.
  

• Be intentional and passionate in your actions. We are at our best when we have the courage of our convictions. People believe us more, follow us more, and trust us more when we act with intention and passion. Authenticity is critical to sustained success. Make sure your actions align with your values and let it show through in all you do.
  

• Communicate openly, honestly, and transparently.  Nothing is more important than communication. This is especially true when managing through a crisis. Communicating transparently does not mean telling everything you know, but it does mean making sure people know what they need to when the need to. Be open when you communicate. It is better to deliver bad news honestly than to try to sugar coat or hide the truth. Treat people with respect.
  

•  Act with the team in mind. The best leaders I know act as if there is more than enough credit to go around. The success belongs to the team and the failure to the leader. Put the needs of the team ahead of your own. Practice servant leadership. If you take care of the team, they will take care of you.
  

• Above all show integrity in all actions. Your integrity is the key to everything you do. There is never a reason to compromise your integrity. Once you make a small concession, it becomes a slippery slope. More importantly, you set the tone for how the team operates. If you want your team to do the right thing, then set the example by doing the right thing yourself.
  

Pay attention to these behaviors. Practice them every day. If everyone on the team works together, it will create the kind of workplace which everyone enjoys coming to. Embrace the “win together” mentality, and create a highly engaged team!