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In our fast-paced world, it's easy to forget the profound importance of human connection. Yet, as social beings, we inherently crave and need community for our health and well-being. However, the past few years have ushered in a significant disconnect, both in terms of physical distance and relationship connections. Whether it's at home or in the workplace, the consequences of neglecting these connections can be profound, leading to isolation, distrust, and disengagement.
Recent conversations with leaders from various organizations and workplace reports, confirm that the state of employee engagement in the United States hasn't been this low in almost 10 years. At the heart of engagement lies a simple yet profound concept – genuine care for others. If you've noticed disengagement creeping into your life, whether at home or at work, this blog post is here to help. We'll explore nurturing connection for thriving: 5 ways to boost engagement for individuals and team leaders alike.
1. Do Quality Work Quality work is the foundation of any successful endeavor. It's not about seeking perfection but rather striving for excellence. When you produce and accept work that is error-free, timely, and aligned with expectations, you not only save resources by minimizing rework but also protect engagement by reducing disappointment. When errors occur, use them as learning opportunities for yourself and your team. Quality work communicates care and commitment to your colleagues and clients.
2. Solicit Input from Others
Curiosity is a powerful tool for building connections. Before making important decisions or taking action, invite perspectives from your team and beyond. Seeking input from others can provide you with valuable context, open your mind to new possibilities, and reassure you that your approach is on the right track. People appreciate being asked for their input, and engagement flourishes when they see that their opinions truly matter.
3. Connect the Mission to the Job
Stay aligned with the broader mission as you tackle your daily tasks. Amid competing priorities, it's easy to lose sight of the big picture. Regular status checks on project progress help team members feel their contributions are vital and keep them connected to the mission. Seek alignment too between your personal values and team aspirations to boost engagement within yourself and your organization.
4. Recognize Good Work
Intentionally recognize and appreciate good work. When workloads are heavy, acknowledging exceptional effort becomes even more critical—for everyone, not just managers. Don't delay in offering recognition; say something as soon as you notice, before it slips your mind. Celebrating success can be infectious, and when others see you valuing and rewarding good work, they're more inclined to do the same. As employees are encouraged to shine, engagement naturally grows.
5. Show Care for Others Authentic relationships grow when we genuinely care for one another. Start by being curious about others' experiences by asking questions and listening attentively. Many colleagues are currently dealing with stress, worry, sadness, or anger, and your sincere inquiry can make a significant difference in their well-being journey. Involving others in a challenging assignment also demonstrates your care. Explore ways to show you care, as it's a powerful tool for increasing team engagement. In conclusion, boosting engagement can be as simple as bringing your humanity to work. Beyond organizational performance, engagement serves as a signal of overall contentment. By focusing on these five areas—doing quality work, soliciting input, connecting the mission to the job, recognizing good work, and showing care—you can foster connection, inspire engagement, and create a thriving environment for yourself and those around you. Remember, it all begins with a genuine care for one another.
I coach growth-minded professionals to lead well, get recognized, and thrive. As a coach, I offer perspective, accountability, feedback, encouragement, and additional possibilities. I'd love to chat with you about how I can accelerate your journey to leadership at the next level.
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