Posted by Debbie Phillips on Sunday July 24 2011
Many managers have confused ideas about what engagement is and what it is not. It’s like someone confusing activity for results! Activity doesn’t always guarantee results and simply being present doesn’t always mean being engaged!
As I’ve said before, engagement can be defined as “going the extra mile” and “exerting discretionary effort over and above what is normally expected.”
The problem is that many managers never tell the employee what is expected, so how on earth can employees ever show engagement?
Engagement is NOT just simply showing up.
Engagement is BEING involved!
Engagement is NOT sweeping a problem under the rug.
Engagement is SOLVING the problem!
Engagement is NOT leaving someone out of the decision.
Engagement is SEEKING EVERYONE’S input!
Engagement is NOT hoarding information.
Engagement is SHARING CRITICAL INFORMATION!
Engagement is NOT taking all the credit
Engagement is LETTING SOMEONE ELSE shine!
Engagement is NOT accepting mediocrity.
Engagement is PUSHING for better results!
Engagement is NOT leaving it to someone else.
Engagement is TAKING RESPONSIBILITY!
As proven in my research, ENGAGED employees drive customer satisfaction, higher sales and tend to remain with an organization longer and even refer ENGAGED workers to join them at their company.
Don’t assume that engagement is automatic! One of the strongest drivers of engagement is a sense of feeling valued and involved. Involvement in decision making; the extent to which employees feel able to voice their ideas, and to which managers listen to these views and value employees’ contribution all makes a huge impact!
The next time you wondering why you are not getting the results you are looking for… consider the level of engagement being demonstrated by yourself and your team members!
Engagement matters!