Leaders don’t force people to follow – they invite them on a journey. – Charles S. Lauer
What does it mean to Engage someone in something? Some call it the “buy in” …. The commitment needed for someone to be motivated to take action.
By Definition: engagement is the emotional commitment the person has to the organization and its goals. This emotional 
commitment means engaged persons actually care about their work and their company.
I can remember as a new consultant coming to a ‘Full Stop’ in my business even though I had been experiencing success in personal sales and my appointment book was filled. The problem was that, “yes” I was enrolled in the business; a member but I was not ENGAGED.
Up to that point I had never attended a company event, a weekly meeting or any group activity. However, everything changed when my director encouraged me to attend a company event. It was at that event that I had the opportunity to hear the founder of the company talk about her dream to build a company that would enrich lives. That’s when I bought into the mission and from that point I was fully engaged. I returned home committed to be a part of it and motivated to take action.
That’s why I believe it is vital to create events; Opportunities to connect with team members so they experience what it is like to be a part of a positive and exciting group. To be engaged in a mission and to be surrounded by people who are on purpose and a chance to learn about new programs, products and procedures. It’s a call to action; an invitation to participate in something purposeful, gratifying and emotionally regarding.
In a survey I recently read it stated that:
- Engaged employees believe that they can make a difference in the organizations they work for.
- Engaged employees gain Confidence in the knowledge, skills, and abilities – in both themselves and others.
In motivating people, you’ve got to engage their minds and their hearts. I motivate people, I hope, by example and perhaps by excitement; by having productive ideas to make others feel involved. ~ Rupert Murdoch.
Team members are at different stages of commitment;
- There are the ‘TOP DOGS’… members that are doing well and satisfied but they need a renewed vision they need to be re-Engaged. They not only want to follow the leader but they want to be a part of the leaders vision. THEY NEED TO BE INVOLVED AND AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE MISSION.
- There are the ‘NEW PUPS’…. Fairly new to the organization or to their role. They are not yet realizing productive outcomes. They are working at it but like a puppy they are in a learning stage. THEY ARE LOOKING FOR GUIDANCE AND SECURITY OF TEAM INVOLVEMENT.
- Then there are the ‘PROS’…. People at the top of their game… But feeling not satisfied with their level of success. They thought at this point of the game there success would be different. They need to be a part of an event where they can be re-engaged, inspired and motivated. THEY ARE LOOKING FOR THE RESPECT AND VALIDATION OF THE COMMUNITY…
SO WHERE DO YOU START?
Plan an event….It could be …….
- A launch for a contest. A reason to dash to the finish line.
- A gathering of the team … A retreat is an excellent Event where they can feel involved.
- A conference call…. or a teleconference to reignite team members.
Something that is well planned, promoted well in advance and of course exciting.
These events need to add sparkle to someone’s career; to spark people into action; to put the sizzle in being a part of something wonderful…. something that gives the feeling of validation and importance.
The very essence of the power in influence is getting others to participate; to engage people in the mission.
IN WHAT WAYS WILL YOU TAKE THE LEAD TO CONNECT WITH YOUR TEAM MEMBERS?
