We have read that staff engagement is more like a plant or a garden than it is like a solid structure. It grows; you don’t build it. The best way to help it grow is to create an environment where growth can happen.
If you are currently responsible for a team or have just joined a team who could benefit from being more cohesive, then here are a few things that you can do to help you engage them:
Talk to them (and look them in the eye when you do)
Yes, it sounds like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how seldom leaders actually talk to their staff one-on-one. This is where relationships grow and where issues are most likely resolved before they begin.
Touch base with your team
Check in on your staff without being a ‘micro-manager’, let them know you are there and be sincere about it.
Praise people, no matter how small the ‘win’
People desire acknowledgement. It doesn’t have to be a monthly award, just a pat on the back and recognition for a job well done. It will go a long way. Be specific about exactly what behavior you are acknowledging, for example: “Your perseverance over six months in continuing to call that prospect was the key in winning that project.”
Encourage them to recognise they often know the solution to an issue
Staff will come to you with problems, help them to see a solution without giving it to them. Encourage and feed their progress by asking questions like “What do you think?”, “What other options might there be?”, or “If you were the client, what would you be expecting?”
Regular Team Meetings
Keep people up to date with business and (appropriate) personal news. Use this platform also for others to raise concerns or roadblocks they may have reached. The ideas, encouragement and praise from team members will strengthen your staff bond.
Celebrate wins as a team
Have everyone discuss what worked well and praise other team members for good work. Take time to revel in your success before you move on to the next challenge.
Tolerate mistakes
When people are learning, they will make mistakes. Sometimes this is the best way to learn and grow. Encourage them to experiment and to think for themselves.
Weed the garden
From time to time, you will encounter a toxic plant that no amount of attention or technique will help. Remove it from the garden before it infects the other plants.
Long may your garden blossom!
Contact us today to find the right candidate to help your business bloom.
