Creating Engagement

If you are doing your job, you should be communicating with each team member on a regular basis and paying attention to how each does his/her job. Don’t assume team members know your expectations or what is driving the business. They need this type of information to do their jobs.

Most of your team members keep working because they like what they do. Use this to your advantage. Spend individual time with all team members to better understand the things that interest them, what they like to do, and what they don’t like about their jobs. When you can, give the individual tasks or projects that are aligned with his/her interests.

No one wants to be stuck in a dead-end job that offers few, if any, challenges. An employee needs some change that comes from being given new challenges or new opportunities. Job-specific training for team members is a worthwhile investment that may support keeping each person engaged.

Don’t pretend you know what a team member is thinking. You are much better off asking the individual to give you specific feedback. For example: “I heard you mention that we need to do a better job keeping everyone safe. I am interested in any ideas you have about improving safety in our area. Do you mind sharing them?”