BAUU 8 - How To Foster Team Engagement
Rick Yvanovich FCMA CGMA FCPA MSc CCMP CCMC CBC MCH PCC
Master Coach to High-Achievers, Leaders & Entrepreneurs | Entrepreneur | Speaker | Author | Empowering Balanced Fulfillment | Bridging Tech, Accounting & Human Performance
Edition 8 - How To Foster Team Engagement
Cover Image Description: Visualize a tapestry loom where each thread represents a team member's individual strengths and contributions. The skilled hands of a leader interweave them meticulously, symbolizing the process of threading Engagement through the team's structure. The emerging pattern on the tapestry reveals a vibrant pattern, symbolizing the unity and harmony of a fully engaged team.
Welcome back to the Business As UnUsual (BAUU) TL;DR solutions for leaders. In this edition, we’re stitching together the fabric of effective team engagement in our remote work tapestry. We build on the last edition’s insights and turn our focus to harnessing the collective strength of a team—where every thread counts in the stronger weave of productivity and purpose.
The format is:
I'll only share the underlying TL;DR if you ask. If you have a problem you want a TL;DR solution, let's hear about it in the comments.
“Employee engagement is an investment we make for the privilege of staying in business.” (Ian Hutchinson)
Problem
In a work environment where remote teams are the norm, leaders face the intricate challenge of keeping the team's fabric from fraying at the edges. Engagement can become just another buzzword lost in translation between intention and action.
How do we keep our teams not just connected but truly engaged?
How do we maintain the weft and warp of strong work ethics, motivation, and team spirit without the physical loom of an office space?
"Team engagement is not a needle in a haystack; it's the thread that sews success." (Rick Yvanovich)
TL;DR Solution
The answer is woven within the framework of CRAFTED POWER—a model that brings together 12 best practices for fostering Team Engagement. Let's detail these threads that, when woven together, create the resilient fabric of an engaged team.
C R A F T E D
C = Clear Communication ??
Ensure every message is understood, promoting transparency and trust.
Foster an environment where questions are encouraged, and information flows freely. Regular updates keep everyone aligned on goals and expectations.
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R = Respect for Diversity ??
Embrace and celebrate the varied backgrounds and ideas within your team.
Valuing diverse perspectives leads to innovative solutions and a stronger sense of belonging. Encourage sharing of different viewpoints to enrich team dynamics.
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A = Appreciation and Recognition ??
Acknowledge every contribution, big or small, to motivate and empower.
Celebrate successes and milestones to build a culture of appreciation. Personalized recognition boosts morale and reinforces positive behaviours.
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F = Flexibility ??
Adapt work arrangements to balance professional and personal life.
Offering flexible schedules or remote work options reflects understanding and support for individual needs, enhancing job satisfaction and productivity.
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T = Team Building Activities ??
Strengthen bonds and foster collaboration through shared experiences.
Engage in activities that promote teamwork and communication outside of work-related tasks. This enhances cohesion and understanding among team members.
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E = Empowerment through Autonomy ??
Give team members the space to make decisions and take ownership of their work.
Trusting employees with autonomy encourages innovation and a sense of responsibility. Provide guidance but allow freedom within defined boundaries.
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D = Development Focus ??
Prioritize continuous learning and growth opportunities for all team members.
Invest in professional development to show commitment to each individual’s career progression. Encourage mentorship and skill-building initiatives.
“When engagement weaves through the team’s fabric, every thread strengthens the collective tapestry of achievement.” (Rick Yvanovich)
P O W E R
P = Purpose and Meaning ??
Connect daily tasks to the bigger picture, giving work deeper significance.
Help team members understand how their roles contribute to the organization’s mission. This alignment fosters motivation and a sense of fulfilment.
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O = Open Environment ???
Cultivate a culture where feedback and open dialogue are valued.
Encourage honest conversations and constructive criticism. A safe space for feedback facilitates continuous improvement and trust.
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W = Well-being Initiatives ??
Support physical, mental, and emotional health to build a resilient team.
Implement well-being programs and promote work-life balance. Recognizing the importance of health and happiness leads to a more engaged and productive team.
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E = Effective Feedback Loops ??
Facilitate a two-way communication channel for continuous growth.
Regularly solicit and provide feedback to adjust strategies and recognize achievements. Effective feedback loops ensure that everyone feels heard and valued.
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R = Leadership by Example ??
Set the tone with your actions, inspiring your team to follow suit.
Demonstrating the behaviours you expect from others, from work ethic to communication, reinforces company values and sets a powerful example for the team.
"The strength of a team is in its weave, not just in the threads." - Rick Yvanovich
Try This
1.???? Engagement Self-Audit ???♂?
Assess your team’s current engagement levels with a quick survey or poll. Use the CRAFTED POWER framework as your guide for the questions.
2.???? Recognition Round-Up ??
Start a team meeting with shout-outs! Encourage team members to recognize each other’s contributions. It’s a positive way to reinforce value and build a supportive atmosphere.
3.???? Flexible Work Challenge ???
Invite team members to share their most creative, flexible working strategies. Compile these into a “Best Flex Practices” shared document for all to benefit from.
4.???? Virtual Team Building ??
Host a virtual team-building event focused on fun and connection. Whether it's a trivia game, a collaborative storytelling exercise, or a virtual escape room, make space for laughter and camaraderie.
5.???? Autonomy Agreement ??
Co-create an ‘Autonomy Charter’ with your team, defining how autonomy looks in your group and what support is needed to maintain balance and productivity.
6.???? Growth Goals Workshop ??
Organize a workshop where team members can set personal and professional growth goals, and identify how these align with the team’s objectives.
7.???? Purpose Pow-Wow ??
Have a team discussion on the ‘why’ behind your work. Align team projects with the company’s mission and discuss how each role contributes to the big picture.
8.???? Open Mic Feedback ???
Create a regular, informal 'Open Mic' session where team members can freely share ideas, feedback, and suggestions for improvement.
9.???? Wellness Workshop ??
Bring in an expert to lead a session on mental health and wellness, providing tools and resources for managing stress and maintaining work-life balance.
10.? Feedback Fridays ??
Dedicate time each Friday for team members to request or offer feedback, helping to close the week with clear communication and mutual support.
11.? Leadership Live-Stream ??
Host a live Q&A where leaders share their thoughts on effective engagement and answer questions from the team, setting an example of transparency and approachability.
"Engagement is the art of weaving autonomy, purpose, and recognition into the fabric of everyday work." (Rick Yvanovich)
Its a Wrap
With these practical steps, you can weave the principles of CRAFTED POWER into the very fabric of your team’s culture. Remember, engagement is a tapestry made of many threads requiring continuous weaving and care. Try these activities to tighten the weave of your team's engagement, and watch as the pattern of productivity and satisfaction emerges more beautifully than ever.
That's it for today, see you next week.
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?As always, be happy, healthy, and wealthy.
Rick
This edition aligns with "Business As UnUsual: How to Thrive in the New Renaissance."
Get your copy for more on thriving in uncertainty here https://www.rickyvanovich.com/books/bauu-book-series/ ???
#BusinessAsUnUsual #BAUU #BAUUnewsletter #Engagement #CRAFTEDPOWER
Previous Newsletter Editions
To help with TL;DR - links to previous editions:
BAUU 1: How To Speak to CEO’s
BAUU 2: How To Lead a Virtual Team
BAUU 3: How To Ensure Individual and Team Excellence in Virtual Teams
BAUU 4: How To Lead The Way In Fostering Team Accountability
BAUU 5: How To Foster Self-Accountability?
BAUU 6: How To Foster Resilience and Recovery in Individuals
BAUU 7: How To Foster Resilience and Recovery in Teams