Employee Engagement Network: Advice for Managers

Are you involved with employee engagement initiatives at some level? If you’re not already a member of the Employee Engagement Network, I highly recommend it as a place to interact with and learn from some of the best minds on this topic. David Zinger, the founder of the Network, recently solicited one-sentence advice for managers on employee engagement and compiled them into an ebook. I’ve categorized some of my favorites into three groups below, but I give David the first word:

“Recognize that employee engagement is not a fluffy extra but the fundamental way you will get work done with others through conversation, co-creation, community, mutuality, and other inclusive approaches to achieve results that matter to organizations, customers, leaders, employees and yourself.” – David Zinger

Meaning & Purpose
* “Having a shared and compelling vision, continuously reinforced by communication, transparency, involvement and leading by example.” – Winston Tikaram

* “Managers and supervisors can engage employees by communicating expectations and how the employee’s role contributes to the overall big picture (sense of purpose).” – Cathy Missildine-Martin

* “Communicate the organization’s strategy to everyone in the workforce. If they aren’t exposed to the direction, goals and objectives, and given the opportunity to understand and buy into it, how can they possibly be held accountable for executing on it?” – Skip Reardon

Respect & Empowerment
* “Treat people the way they want to be treated, not the way you want to be treated.” – John Schonegevel

* “They trust you – have you told them you trust them?” – Jean Douglas

* “Don’t give someone responsibility for something, unless you are also going to give them the power to affect it.” – Samantha Wood

Culture of Recognition
* “People honor a culture that honors them. Take the time to recognize, appreciate, value and honor your people.” – Bernie Donkerbrook

* “Focus on what your employees are doing right with praise and recognition and coach them in the areas in which they require development, supporting them through their learning process.” – Madeline McQueen

* “Don’t rely on the annual employee evaluation – give positive and developmental feedback every day if necessary so that employees always know where they stand.” – Brian Jones

What was my one sentence of advice? “Specifically, clearly and consistently tell employees what behaviors and efforts are most necessary for company success by thanking and recognizing them when they demonstrate those behaviors in daily work.”

What’s your one sentence of engagement advice?