a conversation that weaves stories and strategies with a soulful question and quote
a story
There's a lot of talk out there about engagement.
Unfortunately, I hear a lot of stories of decisions being made without engaging those impacted by the decision in meaningful ways.
[good news alert: I'm also hearing more encouraging stories of leaders who are using the strategy below with amazing outcomes]
Here’s a couple of examples where I’ve seen the unnecessary and unintentional impact that cost both morale and money…
>not including housekeeping or maintenance in the conversation around design of a hotel.
>patient registration staff implementing an idea that they had no voice in and yet they experience the front-line patient responses.
>creating/redesigning a mission statement without including the people who are doing the day-to-day work.
And sadly, the stories could go on. And with them an employee experience of being dismissed or forgotten, costing millions because hurry hijacked huddling with those who matter.
Disengagement is a survival strategy.
A survival technique for people who are not feeling heard.
Disengagement is a survival strategy, especially when the family needs the insurance and income, but the work environment is toxic. Think: “I can't afford to leave so I have to disengage to show up and experience the environment.”
Actively disengaging is exhausting for employees [contributes to burnout].
And employee disengagement can sabotage your brand like none other.
As leaders, you can influence this not only for the good of the company, but for the well-being of those that are showing up each day.
Engage [in meaningful ways] those impacted by decisions. Period.
Yes, it will slow the decision process down. How many of your decisions that impact others are truly red alert ones?
I can promise you, it will save morale and money.
It can decrease turnover and disengagement. It can invite innovation and inspire your workers to contribute in ways that actually boost morale and ultimately have positive impact finances.
a soulful question[s]
What is a decision you need to make that impacts others? Who needs to be invited to offer insight/ideas?
If you are actively integrating you top influencing Clifton Strengths…
What Strength[s] might be over-functioning during decision making that urge you to bypass engaging those impacted?
[unsure? let's talk.]
a strategy
Regardless of your industry, here is a no cost strategy to actively impact the level of engagement, how your teams contribute and build resilience:
If it impacts their work, invite them to engage in the decision.
Honor those impacted by decisions by seeking their input.
a quote
“If you don't engage them in decisions that impact them, don't expect engagement in other areas.”
Here's to slowing the pace and strengthening engagement,
Sandy
PS If you’re interested in doing deeper work to discover how top influencing Strengths show up in the decision-making process [and other conversations], how to engage them or possibly where they may be over functioning in ways that unintentionally sabotage engagement…let’s connect!
If this storyline resonates reach out for a no cost conversation to see if even one coaching session can be a catalyst to re-align where you are giving energy, time and ultimately your life.
It's good to share good stuff!
If you know someone who might appreciate a resilience boost every once in a while, or simply would be encouraged by this chat's focus, pass it on!
Someone shared with you and you want to receive a resilience boost directly to your inbox? Sign up here. [Sharing is good, but we don't share your information!]
Sandy is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach & Organizational Consultant with over twenty-five years experience of creating conversations and designing resilient environments that transform how we live and lead from the inside out.
