E-couragement: Revealed--The Secret to an Engaging Culture (Part 2)
“I had to spend countless hours, above and beyond the basic time, to try and perfect the fundamentals.” Julius Erving
My search for the secret to solving the disengagement crisis in our workplace changed directions several years ago after I embraced the concept of, “there’s nothing new under the sun.” It was then that I realized there was no secret to reengaging our workforce, but rather fundamental leadership principles that made all the difference in the world. I’ve been on a quest to define those timeless tools that, when applied, create an engaging organization. After studying my clients, scouring the literature, and reviewing my own successes and failures, I’ve come up with nine fundamental principles that leaders can utilize to create loyal, committed, and engaged cultures. When you use them— transformation will take place in your team or organization. Here they are…
- Remove All Wax: Being an authentic leader is risky. It’s rare. It takes courage. It requires being real, flawed, and human. It involves removing all the wax that’s in place to make you appear perfect and come face-to-face with your own personal weaknesses and strengths.
- Make It Personal: People want to know who you are. They desire a relationship. In order to be a compelling leader, you must be willing to lead and live up close. Engaging leaders don’t separate their personal selves from their business selves, they bring their whole self wherever they go.
- Step Into Their World: The “open door policy” won’t suffice any longer. Engaging leaders go through their open door and walk into the world and lives of their followers. Become a student of those you lead. Study them. Pay attention to them. Listen and learn from them.
- Be Committed: Laurie Beth Jones, author of Jesus, CEO writes, “The world will make way for someone who knows what he or she wants, because there is not much competition when it comes to passionate commitment.” Engaging leaders are passionate about and committed to an organization’s core values.
- Ask and Listen: Those who follow you need to be heard, want to contribute, and hope to be understood. Your job is to ask and listen. Your people have something to say—they have answers and solutions—will you hear them?
- Watch Your Mouth: Use your words to encourage and build up others. Resist the temptation to “shoot from the hip” and leave others wounded. Each day, predetermine to look for and find the good in others—then tell them what you’ve observed.
- Crave Feedback: If you listen to those you trust, feedback will act as a guide on your journey. If you give it, make sure you do so with truth and love. Feedback—crave it, receive it, and provide it. It will make you a better and more complete leader.
- Have Fun: A positive, enthusiastic attitude is contagious. Unfortunately, so is misery and negativity. It takes determination, energy, and intention to be positive. Make time to stop and celebrate the good things that are happening in your organization.
- Be Inspiring: The American workplace is over informed and under inspired. When you passionately speak your vision and dreams, while helping others see how they play a vital role in its fulfillment, you will create a loyal and inspired following.
There you have it: nine fundamental leadership principles. They’re timeless and available to everyone. The question is, will you apply them? Will you put them into practice and reap the rewards of a highly engaged, loyal, committed, innovative, productive, and successful team? Are you ready to stand out from the rest?
Leave your comments: Which of these principles are you already using? What results have you experienced? Which ones should you be utilizing more regularly?