How to Increase Employee Engagement: 10 Methods that Work-Leadership Training

Summary

In this video, Rick Cono discusses the importance of employee engagement and how leaders can drive it through practical strategies. He outlines 10 keys to building a highly engaged workforce, including setting clear goals, continuous training, effective communication, coaching, and recognizing individual needs. Cono emphasizes that engagement isn't a one-time survey but an ongoing, daily practice. He also highlights the critical role of integrity and ethical leadership in fostering trust and performance. By adopting these strategies, managers can create motivated teams that drive better business outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Employee engagement is crucial for company success, with engaged employees driving better performance and bottom-line results.
• 😀 A major challenge in organizations is leadership derailment, with many managers lacking essential skills like communication, motivation, and problem-solving.
• 😀 Employee engagement isn't just about annual surveys but should be an ongoing effort with consistent manager-employee interactions throughout the year.
• 😀 Leaders must shift their perspective from focusing on themselves to focusing on their employees, understanding that the success of their team reflects their own success.
• 😀 Effective leadership requires addressing both team and individual needs, focusing on how to help employees succeed rather than demanding performance.
• 😀 Setting clear goals and expectations on a regular basis, not just annually, is vital for boosting performance and engagement.
• 😀 Training employees consistently has a significant impact on organizational results, but many organizations fail to invest in employee development.
• 😀 Effective communication, both in formal and informal settings, is essential for employee engagement. Managers should work on being good listeners and presenters.
• 😀 Coaching is key for employee performance. Just like athletes, employees need ongoing support to reach their best potential, not just when they are underperforming.
• 😀 Recognition is often overlooked, with many organizations failing to recognize the contributions of all employees. Proper recognition motivates employees to perform even better.
• 😀 Managers must be involved in the hiring process, ensuring new employees are properly trained and oriented to set them up for success from day one.

Q & A

What is the significance of employee engagement in today's business world?

Employee engagement is crucial for organizational success. Engaged employees drive better performance, leading to higher profits and improved bottom-line results. However, only a small percentage of employees are engaged, presenting a significant opportunity for organizations to improve engagement and performance.

Why are so many leaders failing at employee engagement?

Many leaders lack the necessary skills, such as communication, motivation, problem-solving, and decision-making, to build high-performing teams. As a result, employee engagement suffers. Research indicates that a large percentage of managers are not equipped with these essential leadership skills.

What is the current state of employee engagement worldwide and in the U.S.?

Worldwide, only 13% of employees are engaged, and in the U.S., that number is 30%. These low engagement levels present an opportunity for companies to improve their employee engagement strategies and increase overall performance.

What are the misconceptions about employee engagement?

Employee engagement is often misunderstood. It is not just about annual surveys or a one-time action plan. Engagement is a continuous, ongoing process that should be part of daily leadership practices. It’s also not about motivating employees with rewards; it’s about treating them as partners and fostering ownership in their work.

What is the fundamental perspective shift needed for leaders to improve engagement?

Leaders need to shift their focus from 'What can my team do for me?' to 'What do my employees need from me to succeed?' This change in perspective helps leaders understand that their success is directly linked to their employees' success.

What role does setting clear goals play in employee engagement?

Clear goals and expectations are fundamental to good performance. Without clear direction, employees can feel lost or disengaged. Regular goal-setting (not just annually) provides clarity and helps employees understand what is expected of them, fostering higher engagement and performance.

Why is ongoing training important for employee engagement?

Training plays a critical role in improving employee performance and engagement. Employees who are consistently trained feel valued and more capable in their roles. Despite this, many companies fail to provide regular training, which results in missed opportunities to enhance employee capabilities and engagement.

How does effective communication impact employee engagement?

Effective communication is vital for keeping employees informed and engaged. This includes both formal and informal communication, such as goal-setting meetings, feedback sessions, and regular updates. Good communication ensures employees feel heard, valued, and aligned with company goals.

Why is coaching important in boosting employee engagement?

Coaching is essential for helping employees reach their full potential. It’s not just for poor performers; even high-performing employees benefit from regular coaching. Research shows that coaching can lead to an 88% improvement in employee performance, significantly boosting engagement and productivity.

What is the role of recognition in employee engagement?

Recognition is a key driver of engagement. Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to stay motivated and perform well. However, many organizations fail to recognize employees beyond top performers, which can demotivate the majority of the workforce. A culture of recognition is crucial for maintaining high levels of engagement.

What are some practical ways to increase engagement without a large budget?

You don’t need a big budget to increase engagement. Simple, low-cost actions such as team-building activities, social events, and creative incentives tied to performance can boost morale and engagement. The key is to be consistent and thoughtful in creating a fun and inclusive environment.

How does leadership integrity contribute to employee engagement?

Integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior are fundamental to building trust with employees. Leaders who follow through on their commitments and admit mistakes foster an environment of respect and transparency. This trust strengthens employee engagement and contributes to a positive organizational culture.