10 Tips for Increasing Engagement in the Workplace

 As a corporate coach, I've listened to hundreds of employees talk about what they need to be a success. We all know, leadership isn't easy. It takes a lot of interpersonal skills that don't always come naturally. How we communicate with others creates the world around us, therefore, we must be aware of how our own output can affect the outcomes of others.
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Here are 10 tips for increasing engagement in the workplace: 

1) Create the vision – Inspire others to help accomplish goals. Be transparent in your company’s mission and values, make sure they understand not just the work, but the vision. Consider creating a company vision board of accomplishment and future goals.

2) Be open-minded – One of the most important leadership skills is the ability to consider all options for the greater good of everyone involved. When brainstorming, be sure not to “shoot down” ideas, stay objective until you find which idea is best for the situation.

3) Keep it “clear and simple” – Life can be complicated. Simplify the workplace by approaching each task in a clear, step by step, systematic way. Make sure everyone understands what's going on. It takes less time to be clear than to go back and fix problems. 

4) Be the “coach” – Leaders are meant to bring out the best in their team. It’s been said that you can tell a leader by their questions, not by their answers. Asking open ended questions like “What? How? When? Why?” allows you to be supportive and allows others to exercise their problem-solving abilities. 

5) Focus the positives – Acknowledge what is being done correctly, sprinkle in what “we” need to work on, and close with a “keep up the good work”.

6)  Kindness is a virtue  – It’s astounding what a simple hello, smile, high-five or pat on the back can do. We often don't  know what others are enduring… Being kind to ourselves and others builds a foundation of respect and well-being that is priceless. 

7) Training is a priority – Strengthen your company's success by making sure all employees know how to perform their duties with confidence.  On-boarding, cross-training and on-going employee training can make all the different in the success of a team. Try partnering team members with company mentors who know the ins and outs of a particular task. Utilize these seasoned employees to provide in-house group training as well. Don't forget to make learning fun!

8) Connect with the staff – Celebrate the victories, holidays, birthdays and the “just because” to create a bond with your team. Know what they like and dislike, know about their families, learn about their interests. Consider creating a lighthearted questionnaire for your employees asking questions that allows you to get to know who the are. Make it a priority to value your team. 

9) Planning – This is one of the most important skills of business management and leadership. Planning provides direction, promotes brainstorming for creative ideas, decreases uncertainty and offers us a guideline.   

10) Be Flexible - Creating a healthy work/life balance for you and your team can ensure a happy workplace. People must feel valued to do their best. If you want to increase success, be flexible with those you work with... Maybe someone is sick in their family, maybe they have a pressing matter that must be taken care of, etc. Working longer hours does not always increase productivity - in fact, when people don’t feel appreciated, valued or respected, productivity levels go down. 

It takes more than a title to be an engaging leader. By providing direction and connection, effective leadership emerges. Create the work/life balance that you and those around you deserve. Lead the way!