What Leadership Behaviors Can Boost Employee Engagement?

The role of improving leadership behaviors in shaping employee engagement and performance is paramount.

Research by Nilupama Wijewardena, Ramanie Samaratunge, and Charmine H?rtel, published in the International Journal of Public Administration, highlights the importance of positive leadership behaviors.

These findings align closely with the CABLES model of leadership that leaders have been successfully implementing for over a decade.

By integrating the principles of the CABLES model, leaders can effectively enhance employee engagement and create a thriving organizational culture.

Understanding the Power of Positive Leadership

The study underscores two critical leadership behaviors: supportive behavior and ethical behavior. These behaviors impact employees' immediate emotional states and contribute to their long-term well-being, organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB), and overall job performance.

The CABLES model, which stands for Consistency, Appreciation, Belongingness, Listening, Empathy, and Specifics, provides a comprehensive framework for implementing these positive leadership behaviors.

Integrating the CABLES Model

1. Consistency

Consistency refers to the alignment between a leader's words and actions. Leaders who practice consistency are perceived as more trustworthy and credible, which leads to increased employee engagement and motivation.

Strategies:

• Align Actions with Values: Ensure that your actions consistently reflect the values you communicate. For example, if integrity is a core value, demonstrate it in every decision and behavior.
• Walk the Talk: Model the behavior you expect from your team. If you demand respect, show respect to others.

2. Appreciation

Appreciation involves recognizing and valuing others for their contributions and unique qualities. When employees feel appreciated, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated.

Strategies:

• Regular Recognition: Frequently acknowledge your team members for their efforts and achievements. Highlight both their efforts and the unique qualities they bring to the team.
• Celebrate Diversity: Recognize and appreciate the diversity within your team in all aspects, including their backgrounds, perspectives, and ways of thinking.

3. Belongingness

Creating an environment where employees feel included and have a sense of psychological safety is crucial. A sense of belonging is linked to improved engagement, job satisfaction, and commitment.

Strategies:

• Foster Inclusion: Make sure every team member feels valued and included. Encourage participation and ensure that everyone has a voice.
• Build Community: Create opportunities for team bonding and collaboration to strengthen the sense of community and belonging.

4. Listening

Effective listening involves paying attention to verbal and non-verbal cues and approaching conversations with curiosity and openness. It leads to improved communication, increased understanding, and better problem-solving.

Strategies:

• Active Listening: Practice listening with your ears, eyes, mind, and heart. Pay attention to tone, body language, and the underlying emotions behind words.
• Feedback Loops: Establish regular feedback mechanisms where employees can share their thoughts and feel heard.

5. Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Leaders who demonstrate empathy build more positive relationships with their employees and are more effective at motivating and inspiring them.

Strategies:

• Show Genuine Concern: Approach situations with care and concern. Put yourself in your employees' shoes to understand their perspectives and challenges.
• Empathetic Responses: Respond to employees' concerns with empathy, validating their feelings and providing support.

6. Specifics

Setting clear expectations and holding each other accountable is essential for effective leadership. Clear expectations lead to improved performance and accountability.

Strategies:

• Define Expectations: Clearly communicate what is expected from each team member. Ensure that these expectations are understood and agreed upon.
• Accountability Systems: Implement systems to track progress and hold team members accountable in a fair and transparent manner.

Long-term Benefits of Positive Leadership

By adopting these positive leadership behaviors and integrating the CABLES model, you can create a supportive work environment that fosters employee engagement and productivity. The research suggests that the frequency of positive interactions is more impactful than their intensity. Therefore, make supportive and ethical behaviors a regular part of your leadership practice.

Creating a Sustainable Positive Work Environment

A sustainable positive work environment is one where employees consistently experience supportive and ethical behaviors from their leaders. This requires authenticity and consistency in your actions.

Strategies:

• Consistency is Key: Ensure that your positive behaviors are not sporadic but a constant feature of your leadership style.
• Authenticity Matters: Be genuine in your interactions. Employees can easily detect insincerity, which can lead to disillusionment and disengagement.
• Incorporate Positive Leadership in Training: Include positive leadership behaviors in your leadership development programs. Equip future leaders with the skills and mindset to foster a positive work environment.

Conclusion

Leadership is a critical determinant of organizational success. By adopting supportive and ethical behaviors and integrating the principles of the CABLES model, you can create a positive work environment that enhances employee engagement and performance. Positive leadership is not just about grand gestures but about consistent and genuine actions that build trust and foster a positive workplace culture.

Start today by integrating these strategies into your leadership practice and witness the transformative impact on your team’s engagement and performance.

Call to Action

If you found these insights valuable, consider sharing this article with your network. Let’s spread the word about the power of positive leadership and its role in creating better workplaces. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments – how do you practice positive leadership in your organization?

?