employee engagement

Employee Engagement

While working on a research project on employee engagement, I’ve come across some interesting information I’d like to share with you.

 Jack and Suzy Welch, of GE and Harvard Business Review respectively, said, “…no company, small or large, can win over the long run without energized employees who believe in the mission and understand how to achieve it.”

 Engaged employees are key to the well-being of companies. Research on 71 companies internationally, by a Chicago HR research and consulting firm, found that there was “almost a 52 percent difference in one-year performance improvement in operating income between companies with highly engaged employees as compared to those companies with low engagement scores.”

 So, what makes up an engaged employee? “Engaged people are proud to work for the company. They are committed to stay and put in the extra effort to facilitate the company’s goals,” said Soni Basi, senior project director at ISR. Curt Coffman, co-author of Gallup’s bestselling book on great managers, First Break All the Rules, reveals that, “Engaged employees are builders. They want to know the desired expectations for their role so they can meet and exceed them. They’re naturally curious about their company and their place in it. They perform at consistently high levels. They want to use their talents and strengths at work every day. They work with passion. They have a visceral connection to their company. And they drive innovation and move their organization forward.”

 How can we see that we all become engaged employees? The responsibility lies within us all. Managers must find ways of keeping employees engaged by providing “a strong relationship with, and clear communication from, their manager…Managers also have to challenge employees within their areas of talent, then help them gain the skills and knowledge they need to build their talents into strengths. And managers should help employees develop ownership of their goals, targets, and milestones, so employees can enhance their contributions to the company and increase their impact,” says Coffman. Coffman continues, “Employees who get to do what they do best everyday move toward engagement. And last but not least, catch him doing things right. Recognize him for excellence. Recognition is personally fulfilling, but even more, recognition communicates what an organization values, and it reinforces employee behaviors that reflect those values.”

 Associates also have a responsibility to become an engaged employee.

 Joe Kiedinger

 Action Plan: What do you find particularly stressful at work? Confront the issue and create a solution. This way you make more time to do what truly makes you happy.

Say ‘cheese’! My engagement with Kraft Foods!

Who says you need to have years of success before you land a huge fish! Next week I’m off to Dallas to do a one-day engagement with Kraft Foods using the About Me Card program. It’s the beginning of an international brand.

All international brands must start somewhere. Disney started as a cartoonist making independent cartoons for entertainment movie and news features on the big screen. Hallmark started in 1910 with Nebraska teenager Joyce Hall and her shoebox of picture cards. And About Me International/Prophit Marketing is beginning a journey of Employee Engagement that is starting to get noticed.

We put the “International” on our name for a reason—Vision. What is your vision? Do you realize you are making history with each decision you make? What do you aspire to become? I will tell you, it’s not an easy road. You must always remember to live your life looking out the windshield and only glance at the rearview mirror. Do not dwell on how fast or slow a dream is growing. The question is this: Is it growing? As long as you make small steps each day, you will reach your dreams.

Our company has a long way to go, but that’s OK. I’m going to continue to push the flywheel until the momentum takes care of itself. People need their own time to become aware and ready for you. Allow them to understand and believe. Do that and you will have anything you want!

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Keep a short journal of the steps you are taking each day to accomplish your long-term goals!