Employee Engagement is Easy
Motivating employees to do their best work is not difficult. All it takes is basic human understanding supported by the Golden Rule. Following a few basic steps like those outlined below can help a manager succeed in achieving meaningful employee engagement.
Shared goals.
Within an organization, it is important to stress that everyone is working toward the same general goals. When the company prospers, so will employees. Thus, taking a win-win approach to training and monitoring employees’ performance can be very beneficial as they begin to view themselves as key players in the company’s success. Instilling the notion of shared work for shared gain is an important, yet simple, step to motivating employees and increasing their confidence in the company and management. Explaining the importance of organizational goals is critical to gaining employee buy-in.
Different personalities.
Everyone is different. Although united on the job to work toward shared goals, personal lives are striving to meet individual goals. An effective manager understands there are different personality styles and learning capabilities within each employee and will try to work insightfully with each type. For example, some employees thrive on praise. Others are goaloriented and enjoy measuring their progress incrementally. Knowing how to engage and involve employees will make the difference between success and failure. The process begins with hiring employees who are willing to learn and be productive. It continues with an open communication style and an exchange of information and ideas. Employees who feel valued will work harder to contribute to the organization.
Respect.
Treating others the way we want to be treated is the proverbial Golden Rule. However, in stressful times managers can lose their temper or fail to seek or understand an employee’s perspective. Basically, managers need to be patient, honest, and transparent in representing the company’s goals and expectations to each employee. Managers also need to be good listeners in seeking employees’ feedback, listening to their concerns, and problem-solving together. In treating employees as though they are important, managers build important relationships that can
last for years. They also establish a solid foundation on which to build a successful organization. Instead of fueling gossip and rumors by sharing partial information, effective managers are forthright and open to gain employee trust.
Professional relationships need to be honored and nurtured as much as personal relationships. Showing appreciation of employees through announcements and awards instills pride and builds a strong workforce.
Jonah Engler is a finance expert from NYC.