Watch my Facebook Video I broadcasted LIVE from New York City (one of my favorite places because of the amazing food, music, Broadway shows, and people watching!). I wanted to get you some information on a huge missed opportunity for many leaders and organizations. Just take a look at Forbes or The Wall Street Journal, all the business media right now is focusing on the most important element to an organization: their employees! Employee satisfaction is as low as it’s ever been and that is a major problem for leaders, teams and the organization as a whole.
The key to building profit, sustainability and reaching your goals is to have engaged employees and teams! When they are engaged, only then will you take your organization to the Next Level. So the question becomes, how do you engage them?
UTILIZE THESE 4 KEY ELEMENTS TO ENGAGE YOUR EMPLOYEES – YOU WILL BE ON YOUR WAY TO BECOMING AN ON POINT LEADER.
1) LEAD WITH PASSION
Be passionate about your organization, what you’re doing, your goals and the projects in the pipeline. More importantly, you need to be able to communicate your passion to your team. Being able to deliver an inspiring vision for your organization and teams will help them feel the passion and excitement. They will jump on board enthusiastically! It is your responsibility as their leader to get buy in and share your passion with them. Whether it’s a new project, a new fiscal year, or new goals, your team needs to be engaged.
2) BE INCLUSIVE
Using words such as “we,” “our,” and “us” when you speak about your goals and projects is key to drawing in your employees. When you use words such as “I” or “me,” the team thinks it’s all about you, and we all know that’s not the case. Your team needs to know that you are there foxhole. WE will do this together. Your team needs to know you support them during pressure and the stress of the process, not just there at the end celebrating the success. Your team will feel the difference when you are genuinely there with them. Be sure your language reflects that you’re on the team and your striving for these goals together.
3) SUPPORT THEM
Each individual has huge responsibilities and projects within their teams and if they don’t feel supported, they will not be engaged or have that much needed trust. Your team needs to hear from you, their ON Point leader, to know that they are valued and you support them. Manage by walking around (face to face works best when possible) and ask them, “How are things going?” “How can I help or support you?” and “How is your part of the project coming along?” Stop in on their meetings, check-in, send emails and texts to them. What this does is let them know you are there to support them if they need help on a higher level.
4) COLLABORATE IS KEY
When you are presenting a new project or goal, or are in a brainstorming meeting, ask for the opinions and ideas of your team members. When they share, do not shut them down with a, “No, that won’t work” right away. They need to know this is not a “my way or the highway” type of relationship. You WANT your employees to come to you with ideas and suggestions! When you consider their thoughts and ideas, they feel valued and appreciated and this helps create engaged team members.
As an ON Point leader, it is your responsibility is to engage your team. Whether you’re a director, manager, CEO, SVP, team manager, team leader, etc. it’s YOUR job! Maintaining happiness and gratitude among your people and teams results in more profit for the organization, less turnover, and happier employees. Utilize their strengths, create energy with your passion, and communicate their value to you and the organization.
