Gal Morale: Want Engaged Employees? Engage Them

The other day, I attended a meeting of my local chapter of the National Speakers Association. Lou Heckler, CSP, CPAE (Certified Speaking Professional and Council of Peers Award of Excellence - Speaker Hall of Fame) was the guest speaker.

Lou is an engaging man and a master storyteller who uses no powerpoint, little technology and manages to have everyone on the edge of his seat for his entire presentation. (In this case 2 hours.)

During the course of his presentation Lou talked about his new program called "Let's Get Engaged!" He spoke about how, in a time when we are supposedly more connected then ever before, we are also more disengaged than ever before. He told stories of the difference one can make by a simple face to face encounter.

While Lou was speaking I wrote this sentence down: If you want engaged employees - engage them!!!

Why just yesterday someone was telling me about their boss - a person who made a big deal out of having face-to-face meetings with each employee on her first day - but since then walks right by everyone every day without even a nod or a hello. This was not the first time I have heard this story.

A couple of years ago Radio Shack laid off hundreds of employees via email. There is something wrong with that picture.

While I enjoy the convenience of email, the speed of technology, and connections I've made via blogs and social networking sites, I must admit - I feel most connected to the people with whom I've had face to face encounters.

Knowing that the most important relationship in terms of having engaged employees is the relationship people have with their direct supervisor - you, as a boss, might consider the following:

1. Using email for convenience but making it a point to pick up the phone and having face to face meetings with your direct reports more often.

2. Walking the floor to give pats on the back, ask questions, get feedback, and engage your team members in actual conversations.

3. Having the hard conversations in person - no exceptions!

Technology is a wonderful thing. It can bring us together in some ways - and in others, it can tear us apart. We must temper our use of technology with a conscious choice to connect with people in a more meaningful and personal way.

Question: You say you want engaged employees, but are you engaging your employees?

Gal Morale, Private Eye

Comments

[Donna Cutting]

Thank you, Carrie, for your comment and the book recommendation.

Lou, you are an inspiration to so many.

[Carrie T]

There is lots of great information here. I agree that companies need to get back to the basics with face to face contact. I have recently been reading a book that has showed me a real importance of getting feedback. Not just from the customer, but the employee as well. It has been interesting. You can check it out at http://www.deliverandmeasure.com

[Lou Heckler]

Sweet of you to mention me with such kindness. Thanks!