As leaders, it is essential to prioritise engagement and morale within our team to create a more successful and thriving organisation.
Introduction
An associate of a client recently shared with me how she felt alone and demoralised due to lack of engagement by her immediate manager. That conversion got me thinking. I reflected on the time when I was in full-time employment. I remember I would regularly make time to engage and catch up with my direct report to motivate and support her even though I was busy with my own work and had to frequently attend external meetings with various stakeholders. As a result of this, we had a great professional relationship that was rewarding in many ways. The plus is that we continue to keep in touch even though we have both left that organisation.
Benefits of improving engagement with our team
As a leader, one of our top priorities is to improve engagement with our team. Do it well and we stand to reap a multitude of benefits for our organisation.
Benefit #1: Increased Productivity
Engaged employees are more productive and committed to achieving the goals of the organisation. They are more likely to take initiative and go above and beyond their job requirements.
Benefit #2: Improved Retention
When employees are engaged and satisfied with their jobs, they are less likely to leave for other opportunities. This can save the organisation time and money associated with recruitment and training.
Benefit #3: Higher Quality Work
Engaged employees are more likely to produce high-quality work. They are invested in the success of the organisation and take pride in their work.
Benefit #4: Better Customer Service
Engaged employees are more likely to provide excellent customer service. They strive to provide a positive experience for customers and they are proud of what the organisation stands for.
Benefit #5: Increased Innovation
Engaged employees are more likely to be creative and innovative. They feel comfortable sharing their ideas and taking risks, leading to new and improved products or services.
Benefit #6: Employee Loyalty and Advocacy
Engaged employees are more likely to speak positively about the organisation to others and recommend it as a great place to work. This can lead to better recruitment efforts and an improved reputation in the industry.
Benefit #7: Improved Health and Well-being
Engaged employees experience less burnout and stress-related illnesses. This can result in a healthier and happier workforce, leading to reduced absenteeism and increased productivity.
How can leaders improve engagement with their team?
With many benefits to be gained by the organisation, leaders need to consciously make an effort to improve engagement with their team.
#1: Communicate Effectively
"Effective communication is essential to building trust and creating an engaged workforce. It's important to listen to your team members and make sure they feel heard and understood."~ Marillyn Hewson, the former CEO of Lockheed Martin
Communication is key to building strong relationships with your team members. As a leader, you need to communicate effectively and frequently. This means being open and honest, sharing information, and listening actively. When employees feel heard and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to the success of the organization.
#2: Provide Opportunities for Growth and Development
"Investing in your employees' growth and development is essential for keeping them engaged and motivated. When employees feel like they are learning and growing, they are more likely to be happy and committed to the organisation."~ Jeff Weiner, the former CEO of LinkedIn
Employees want to feel like they are growing and developing in their roles. As leaders, it is our responsibility to provide opportunities for growth and development. This can include training, coaching, mentoring, and stretch assignments.
#3: Recognise and Reward Achievements
"At Zappos, we believe that recognition and rewards are critical for creating a positive and engaged workforce. We encourage our team members to recognise each other's achievements and we offer a variety of rewards and incentives to motivate our employees."~ Tony Hsieh, the former CEO of Zappos
Recognition and rewards are powerful tools for improving engagement and morale. When employees feel recognised and appreciated for their contributions, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged.
#4: Create a Positive Work Environment
"Creating a positive work environment is essential for keeping our employees engaged and motivated. We strive to create a culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration where everyone feels valued and supported."~ Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple
The work environment can have a big impact on employee engagement and morale. As leaders, it is important to foster a positive work environment that is inclusive, supportive, and respectful.
#5: Lead by Example
"Leadership is about setting the tone for the organisation. If you want your employees to be engaged and committed, you need to lead by example. Show your team members that you are passionate about the organisation's goals and values and that you are committed to achieving them."~ Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo
As leaders, it is important to lead by example. Our behaviour sets the tone for the entire organisation. If we are engaged, positive, and committed, our team members are more likely to be engaged and committed as well.
Conclusion
The importance of improving engagement and morale within a team cannot be overstated.
When employees are engaged and motivated, they are more likely to be productive, creative, and committed to the organisation's goals. They are also more likely to stay with the organisation and be advocates for the brand.
Conversely, low morale and disengagement can lead to high turnover, decreased productivity, and even a negative impact on the bottom line.
As leaders, it is essential to prioritise engagement and morale within our team. This means creating a positive work environment that fosters collaboration, communication, and a sense of purpose. By prioritising engagement and morale within our team, we can create a more successful and thriving organisation. Ultimately, investing in our team's engagement and morale is an investment in the success of our organisation as a whole.
Комментарии