Three Ways Leaders Can Inspire an Engaged Workforce

First... As leaders, we need to commit to being engaged ourselves, regardless of circumstances.

Be what it is you want to see more of.

More enthusiasm. Less cynicism.

More approachable. Less eggshells.

More patience and kindness. Less grumpiness.

More encouragement. Less withholding.

More listening. Less telling.

More time, effort, and care.

Whatever you feel is most important to making a better experience for everyone (and achieving great results), model it. No exceptions. Fall off the horse? The moment you realize it, apologize (to others and yourself) and get back on it.

Second... Have more frequent and meaningful conversations about what it is you and your team do and the value it is you and your team bring to the world. Show people the big picture through any external feedback you might get from the people you serve (the good and the bad). Share it as much as possible in order to help people be more connected to that big picture (your purpose... your reason for being). Consider a quick daily team meeting (Try conducting the meeting standing up—it goes quicker!) that allows everyone to share what they're working on so people feel more connected to each other.

Third... Work to involve your people more in solving the challenges you face. Wherever possible, let them lead the effort to make that something special happen. Ask people more frequently to give you their thoughts on things (good and bad). Periodically, ask people how they would change things if they were running the place. Maybe do it over a cup of coffee or lunch to make more of a personal connection.

The key to all of this really comes down to caring about the people we work with... involving them the way we'd like to be involved if we were in their shoes... treating them the way we'd like to be treated.

Not rocket science (like most things), just the golden rule.

It's about making that commitment to your leadership efforts that you're asking your people to make to their work and the people they serve. (Can you do that?)

Model what you want to see.
Connect more with the people you lead.
Involve them as much as possible.

All the success!

 PM in the AM