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What's important now - Engagement

As you cut discretionary expenses, you need all employees to focus their discretionary effort on what matters most. That's where engagement plays a role. Engaged employees are not just committed, passionate or proud. They have a line-of-sight on their own future and on the organisation's mission and goals. They are enthused and in gear.

Many of the leaders I've spoken to in the last few months express concern about engagement levels in their organisations. They're right to be worried. They need employees to stay focused and productive despite taking on the work of colleagues made redundant, having pet projects postponed, perks eliminated, ever-shifting priorities and the distraction of the latest headlines or hourly market fluctuations. In addition, soft economies jeopardise the natural balance that may exist in better times. The worst employees will stay as disgruntled hostages and top talent may leave because they still have mobility.

Are you engaged? You can't drive engagement if you're disconnected or burnt out. If you're not engaged, take time to reconnect with the source of your convictions. Ask yourself: Why do you come to work each day? What aspects of your work provide the greatest satisfaction? What personal values underlie what you want to do or say? What do you stand for as a leader? In light of your convictions and your understanding of market realities, where do you need to focus your discretionary effort and unique skill set?

Where are your employees on the engagement spectrum? Do they know their three most important priorities out of all the items on their to-do list? Are they clear on how their work supports the organisation's goals? Do they need help remembering why — aside from their salary— they come to work each day? Make time to have discussions about their concerns and aspirations. Wherever possible, give them the information they need to succeed and the reassurance that what they do has meaning. This is also the time to hand out stretch assignments to address organisational imperatives and provide the growth and development that feed engagement.

Blessing White - wwww.blessingwhite.com
President & CEO Christopher Rice

18 December 2008