Encouraging Engagement

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Hello Leaders

In this week’s article, we’re going to dive into

• 3 simple actions to Encourage Engagement
• Timeless Business Principle #4
• Invitation to a Sample Board
• Bottom of the page stuff

Let's start with a question

What would change if we could not only encourage engagement but also foster sustained and meaningful participation between team members?

There are many “Employee Engagement Initiatives” dreamed up by HR departments for getting the people to hate the company less. These are often short term or phase out over time as the person responsible for driving the initiative gets bored, loses interest or leaves.

This is because we haven’t answered two important questions,

• How essential is Employee Engagement to the success of your business? And
• What are you prepared to do about it?

Take as an example, ‘getting fit’. You might decide that its important for you long term health or running a marathon. Ok are you prepared to jog, Every. Single. Day? Rain or shine when you feel like it or not. Because that is what it might take. The foundation of this decision and action is “I jog every day because this is how I want to live my life.”

In business we call this culture – how we do things around here.

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First question. How important is it to your business? Because Employee Engagement is like a tangled ball of thread, representing emotional commitment, satisfaction, involvement, and enthusiasm towards work, all interwoven in a chaotic jumble. It's hard to discern where one thread begins and another ends, leaving you to navigate through a maze of interconnected ideas with no clear path in sight but necessary in running a thriving business.

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That’s a lot to navigate.

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There’s no doubt that Engagement spurs growth and innovation in your business. It reduces HR costs and turnover rates. It pumps gas into the engine of success. Yes, employee engagement is arguably one of the most critical drivers in the health and longevity of your business.

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Yet many Business Owners only think of it when a warning lights up on the dashboard.

And then they call HR.

Also, engagement is not an HR problem.

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It’s an operational issue that has huge implications throughout an organization. Imagine if we treated poor engagement the same way we treated a faulty machine. Trust me, you’d be tapping and jiggling pipes, tightening bolts, checking connections, and squirting oil everywhere to get it to run smoother.

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A Gallup Poll (link below) showed strong employee engagement reduces turnover and helps to foster a positive company culture. Engaged workplaces experience a 10% increase in customer ratings and a 20% increase in sales. With figures like that shouldn’t keeping your employees engaged and interested be a top priority?

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Let’s reflect on our mindset for Employee Engagement for a moment. It must be “we want to create a work environment that people want to be in”. Not have to be in. Not lucky to be in. If I don’t want to row the boat, only the crack of a whip is going to motivate me!

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“When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute.” - Simon Sinek

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Engagement is the heartbeat of meaningful interactions, bridging connection and commitment. It thrives on appreciation, active listening, and acknowledgement, igniting a continuous journey of building and nurturing relationships.

In its essence, engagement is the catalyst for shared purpose and collective progress.

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Here are 3 Actions that will be your guiding light to unravel all the threads of engagement.

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1)???? Appreciation

The act of recognizing and valuing others creates a positive and unified group. It fosters motivation, strengthens bonds, and fuels personal growth. This simple yet profound practice lights up the beauty in every thread of existence, celebrating the richness of human connection.

We appreciate someone for who they are by naming and valuing the qualities, attributes, or contributions of a person.

“I love how you’ve always got a smile on your face.”

“I appreciate the humor you bring to difficult situations.”

People stop thinking in the presence of criticism but think and work better in the presence of Appreciation.

We should strive for a ratio of 5:1 Appreciation vs Criticism.

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“Appreciation of someone needs to be genuine, succinct and concrete. If you fake it, they will know. If you go on and on and on, they will go numb. If you are too general, they will not believe you.” ~? Nancy Kline

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2)???? Active listening

Undivided attention and eye contact demonstrates that we are fully present and attentive.

This act can ignite engagement by demonstrating respect and a genuine interest in what others have to say and creates a space where people feel truly heard and valued. It often begins with asking open questions that show we trust the individual’s input, invites deeper thinking, and will lead to commitment and action.

Simply asking “What do you think?” and then giving attention without interruption is also a powerful way of showing appreciation for their opinion and listening.

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3)???? Acknowledgment

As a powerful tool for encouraging engagement, it validates people's contributions and motivates them to continue participating. Publicly recognizing individuals' efforts not only motivates the acknowledged person but also sets an example for others to strive for excellence.

Acknowledge big achievements and small wins. We begin tapping into intrinsic motivation when we recognize

This is the daily jog - just say “thank you” every day.

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In Summary

Engagement is important enough to the long-term success of your business that it must be a basic ingredient in your culture. Engagement can be encouraged with three simple practices.

1. Practice a 5:1 ratio of appreciation to criticism. Appreciation must Succinct, sincere & Specific
2. Ask questions and listen actively to make people feel heard and valued.
3. Acknowledge contributions by saying “thank you.”

“I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among men the greatest asset I possess. The way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement.” ~ Charles Schwab

Be like Charles Schwab and Practice Appreciation, Active Listening and Acknowledgement in your personal and professional lives and notice the difference.

Thank you.

Timeless Principles of Exceptional Businesses

Principles#4 Get the Right People in the Right Seats on Your Company Bus

Who are the right people? They are the ones who agree with, and live the company core values .

Your company values must be at the core of how your business is run and how all decisions are made. If you haven’t defined your company’s set of core values, you must do so, now. Don’t hire another employee before having your company values defined. Employees who “get” the values will fit in with the team and they (and their co-workers) will be happier and more productive. Employees who share your values are employees you can trust to make good business decisions, because they are making them based on the company’s values.

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PS

I finished writing this article up while sitting on the deck of the River Lodge at Kwandwe Game Reserve, just outside Makanda. I was there on behalf of Drake Training Academy facilitating a management skills program. Their energy and passion in their approach to Training & Development sets them apart, get in contact with them for any of your skills needs.

I’m grateful and privileged to have the opportunity to work at such an incredible game lodge that’s doing so much for conservation and to be treated with so much customer care by their professional team.

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PSS

I facilitate an Advisory Board where we get real world advice from other Business Owners that helps us,

• Focus our time on things that matter,
• Improve finances,
• And create the culture we need and want,

It’s confidential and I ensure that there are non-competing industries present.

I’m hosting a Sample Board on the 7th of May where you’ll get to see how this works with no obligation and to network with other industry leaders, contact me to book a seat.

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If you liked this newsletter, please like, share, and comment.

If you want to learn more about hosting a workshop on this topic or simply have a conversation over coffee about it, feel free to send me a message.

You can send me Colin Carmody a DM, contact me via carmody@thealternativeboard.za.com or call +27 78-804-2347

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Coach Colin at the Alternative Board

I help business owners improve their business and change their lives.

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Bottom of the page stuff

Gallup Poll https://news.gallup.com/businessjournal/208487/right-culture-not-employee-happiness.aspx

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