Research shows it. We know it.
Engaged employees are more productive. Productive employees help us grow sales faster than costs. Therefore, engaged employees are key to increasing your bottom line.
How’s that for a logic exercise?
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Hear George & Mary-Lynn discuss the four C words on The Bigg Success Show! Click the purple player to listen while you read: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Hear George & Mary-Lynn discuss the four C words on The Bigg Success Show! Click the purple player to listen while you read: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download___
Let’s discuss four words – which all begin with the letter “C” – that will help you engage your employees in ten syllables:
First, a one syllable word: Care
Really and truly care about your employees – not as workers, as people.
Throw the old adage about mixing business and friendship out the door. That’s yesterday’s mindset. For every time it bites you in the butt, there will be many times when it serves you well.
Let your people get to know you. Get to know your people individually, personally and professionally.
We work harder for people we like. We like people who care about us.
So genuinely caring creates a competitive advantage. Isn’t that something? It happens spontaneously, though. It’s not something that can be forced.
Second, a two syllable word: Converse
Talk with your employees. Find out what is going well and what isn’t. Discover what would help them do their jobs better.
We believe in open book management. However we don’t believe that you have to tell all of your employees all the details. Be positively real.
Leaders have more on their plate than ever. Everybody is trying to do more with less. But don’t neglect your people.
Get out from behind your desk a few times a day. Walk around. Spend some time chatting with your people. It’s probably the most productive thing you can do.
Conversation creates concord. Listening is one way to show your people you care. Many people assume the worst. Keeping them informed tames the beast.
Third, a three syllable word: Celebrate!
Our news media thrives on bad news. Do the opposite. Make a bigg deal of good news. Celebrate! Whenever your team does something spectacular, pause and enjoy the moment.
There’s an old management technique called management by exception. Try this instead – manage for exceptional. Highlight people on your team who have done something outstanding.
Share the credit liberally. It’s a rookie mistake to do otherwise. There’s almost nothing you can do to engage your employees that goes as far as a genuine “atta boy” or “atta girl”.
Celebration encourages continuation. It’s fun to play for a winning team. We can’t wait for the next game, for the next opportunity to show what we can do. We look forward to the next victory. So we can celebrate again!
Fourth, a four syllable word: Collaborate
Michael Jordan said it best: “Talent wins games; teamwork wins championships.”
Encourage your people to share their ideas. It will make your life as a leader much easier.
Great leaders make decisions but the best answers often come from their people. Your employees will be more engaged when they see their ideas being adopted. That leads to bigg success!
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The whole recruitment process is often disengaged. It’s a very rote process that we turn people through. What Karen and I talk about is that the engagement process starts at the very beginning – from the very first interaction with your candidate. It works from both sides – the company engages the candidate and the candidate is engaged by the company. We do that by being honest upfront about job requirements and expectations. So the job is exactly what we told them it was in the interview process because we’re really looking for a fit for both parties.
Some people will be long-term; others will be short-term. We want the best from that person for whatever time we have. So ask your employees what they’re looking for, listen to it, and then respond. You can’t give them everything all the time, but you’re not going to keep highly productive employees if you don’t know what is meaningful to them, what motivates them, and what skills and talents they have. You have to utilize those talents and skills effectively, get input, and empower them to do their jobs.
