Employee engagement demystified

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http://www.linkedin.com/in/humanresourcescvn

Engaging your business into the new decade

a demystified approach

Cecil van Niekerk

• The objective of this presentation is to deliver solutions with a
series of thought provoking questions and principles for all
levels of leadership within the business.

• The answers to these questions and the fundamental principles can be adapted to
suit the character and personality of your organisation.

This presentation is aimed to awaken the inspiration in you as a visionary CEO or
Leader to take the courageous step of moving your organisation to the next level of
performance with an engaged team of contributors.

Note: In the absence of a narrator and for the sake of clarity and explanation certain slides contain more information than
traditionally would be used for a presentation.

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Is employee engagement a new concept?

Nelson, amongst other greats, did not label his leadership as
‘employee engagement’ however he was an early advocate of process. He
discussed and agreed objectives with his captains and allowed them to take
the initiative and interpret the objectives as the battle progressed. Nelsons
French counterpart Villeneuve was an advocate of control and command and
his captains had to follow his instructions no matter what, and the outcome
was......?

No this is nothing new, however the complexities of implementation within
business has only become more challenging.

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The Engagement Process

What is engagement and what is its potential to my business?

Amongst the many definitions by a magnitude of experts, engagement can best be
defined as:

• The degree to which a person or group of people commit to an organization,
• The impact that commitment has on how they perform, the business performs
and their length of productive tenure .

Proportionate to the degree of engagement ,
is the degree to which the organisation can
deliver to its true capability.

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What does Engagement deliver?
A transformative partnership for those who are ready, enabling them to function with
mutually shared expectations, adequate resources, expertise and values, with mutually
beneficial rewards, this resulting from processes and actions will:

• meet and exceed the organisations client expectations externally as well as
internally.

• deliver beyond the expectations of the organisational and business’s plans.

• meet and potentially exceed the needs of stakeholders and investors.

• recognises the expectations of, and provide a foundation
for appropriately rewarding the participants
that contribute to the business success.

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To ENGAGE or NOT?

Trapped employees plan to Accessible employees want
remain employed, but to remain employed but may
would prefer to work TRAPPED ACCESSIBLE not be able to, because of
elsewhere. outside circumstances or
23% 7% better opportunities
elsewhere.

High Risk employees do not These employees plan to
plan to remain employed remain employed and want
and no longer want to work HIGH RISK to work for your
for your organization. 36% organization.

*Walker Model

With only 1/3 of your team truly engaged can you afford not to place ENGAGEMENT at the top
of your Human Resources agenda for 2010

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The Reality of Engagement

Can we expect to create this warm, fuzzy , utopian environment, sadly not, as this is not in
the character or in the best interests of business.
COACHING SUPPORTING
Moderate to Hi
TRAPPED Lo to Some ACCESSIBLE
Competence
23% Competence 7%
Variable
Low Commitment
Commitment

Lo Competence TRULY
HIGH RISK
LOYAL
36%
Hi Commitment 34%

DIRECTING DELEGATING
ENGAGEMENT READINESS Lo Med Med/Hi

There are varying levels of organisational maturity which by implication means some are
readier for engagement than others.

*Situational Leadership Blanchard & Hersey/ *Walker Model 7

Arguing the statistics

Whichever school of thought or guru you wish to support, there are certain
realities we cant escape. So instead of getting bogged down in paralysis by
analysis, the reality is:

• Whether it is 14% , 22% or 35%, the biggest proportion of most employees in
businesses are not engaged and for any business leader, this must represent an
enormous potential for any business to “step up a gear”

In itself a compelling reason to embark on an ENGAGEMENT process that builds your
employer brand and fully harnesses skill, talent and ability to deliver the results
expected of us.

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About statistics & tools

• Attitude and Engagement surveys are
merely diagnostic tools but do invoke
an air of expectation.

• Survey results are not necessarily
reliable metrics or indicators of
engagement performance.

• The only true measure is a set of business metrics that indicate delivery against a
holistic set of performance criteria contained in the business plan - no plan no
measurement.

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Leadership & Engagement

The impetus of any ENGAGEMENT process is vested at the
very top of the organisation, the CEO.

• Unequivocally the starting point for a successful
engagement programme.

• A visionary CEO, with the style and charisma to
translate the goals of the business, in a manner that
invokes the passion in each member of the
organisation, the desire to WANT TO and not HAVE
TO deliver.

• There is a significant difference between the CEO
trying to enforce compliance and that of
engendering commitment.

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The Chain of Change

KEY PRINCIPLE- The CEO is the first link in the chain of change.
I learned what I had to in order to succeed, but I never thought that
learning was all that important. My willingness to do whatever it takes
succeed is what fuelled Johnsonville’s growth. However Johnsonville hit the wall of
inevitability.

I realized that if I kept doing what I had always done, I was going to keep getting what I
was getting. And I didn’t like what I was getting..

I could see the rest of my business life being a never-ending stream of crises, problems,
and dropped balls.

We could keep growing and have decent profits, but it wasn’t the success I was looking for.
Ralph Stayer, CEO of Johnsonville Sausage. In the book, Flight of the Buffalo: Soaring to Excellence, Learning to Let Employees Lead,

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Reduce your vulnerability.

• The CEO potentially is a lonely figure within the business, closeted in a sacred office
grappling with the problems of business, babysitting the managers and employees of the
business.

• Never before has the CEO been more vulnerable than in the current economy. A lone figure
who dies by his own sword.

KEY PRINCIPLE- It is not up to you as the CEO to make the team listen to
what you have to say; it is about setting up the system so that people
want to listen. The combination of the right environment and a culture
that creates desire instead of requirements, places few limits on what the
team can achieve.

• That, reduces your vulnerability and raises the bar on success.

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The average tenure of
The impact of Engagement . a CEO is around 5
years, no sooner do
employees get used to
one strategy and
approach and it
changes.

In what becomes a
Typically the control
control and command
and command
environment it is
approach proliferates a
inevitable that in most
child – adult mentality
and dependency,
THE RULE: is, it is the CEO instances the CEO is
reduced to grappling
where the child will
only react if the parent
who should be the visionary with the task of
babysitting managers
commands. leader. and employees alike.

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Are you ready for change?

• Change has become a phenomenal “buzz word” in business today. A panacea for all
ills, as soon as we come under pressure, out of the closet springs a guru who
prophesises the gospel of ‘CHANGE’.
• Nothing wrong with that, however;
• Does it mean change is good so long as everyone else is
willing to change but me?
• Why should I change when no one else changes?
• Do we appoint some poor unsuspecting disempowered
already de-motivated underling, with the mandate to drive
change in the organisation?

THE RULE - No, I am afraid it does not, it is the vision, commitment and demonstration of
purposeful change from a credible leadership that determines readiness.

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The faces of demotivation.

ANXIETY FEAR HOPE ANGER DEPARTURE

• The faces and emotions of the disengaged, ranging from anxiety as a consequence of
poor initial integration into the organisation, the fear of the unknown, hope that
things will change, anger that it hasn’t, leading to ultimate departure.

Yet another compelling reason for ensuring your leadership is sufficiently inspirational
to genuinely engage each and every team member.

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The Big Picture & Engagement

Lets draw an analogy using a marathon runner.
How likely is success of the runner standing on the starting line with no
idea where the finishing line is or how long the run is. My
guess the chances of even completion is slim, never mind
success……….

Human behaviour dictates we perform at our best when we know what we are doing,
where we are going and what the end result is likely to be. It is much easier to develop a
sense of pride and engagement in something tangible.

KEY PRINCIPLE-
“I can force you to run,
or, you run the marathon because you truly want to, enduring the sacrifice and
celebrating the success”.

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The Big Picture

As the architect of the big picture for the business you have
the choice of being the sole, isolated custodian, at the mercy
of disengaged employees whom you have to force to take
action, baby sit and fix errors, or alternatively, you share your
vision in a manner that inspires them to be a part of.

Back to our analogy, share with the runner exactly where the finishing line is and what it
is going to take to run the full distance, what the winners trophy looks like and not end
up quitting at mile 20. Runners refer to it as the brick wall. It is the point when their body
shuts down and their spirit quits……….
DEPARTURE

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The Work & Engagement

The work an individual performs is within the top 5 contributors to every human beings
existence.

• Considering an average working person devotes approximately 1/3 of the wake hours
in a year at work.

• The question posed to any business leader; would you be willing to invest 1/3 of your
revenue into an undefined scheme where you no idea how it is going to be used, by
whom, when, for what and potentially not knowing your return on the investment?

The answer to that question is pretty obvious!

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Consider this statement made by the average team member,

“Day after day, I work hard. I like my work, I am paid well, and I get along with my co-
workers. But I am considering looking for work elsewhere”.

Why?

“Because I don’t have a clue of the company's goals or where they are heading.
Everyone is kept in the dark about the company's goals. Whenever the question is
asked, it is waived of as non of your business. As a result, commitment is starting to
wear thin”.
ANXIETY

“I only want what most workers want. That is to understand how my work contributes
to the big picture. This investment of 1/3 of my life”.

ANGER

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• People need to be brought into the loop on the direction of their company or the
company will have a tough time developing passion within its teams.

It ought to be common sense: When
employees understand the goals of the
company and how their actions align with
those goals, employees are more productive—
and the company is more profitable.

• Conversely, human nature abhors a vacuum. When no clear goals exist, or when
they're not publicised so that people can subscribe to them and/or promote them,
individual missions and visions tend to rise up in competition. In other words, people
start promoting their own agendas.

• The result is unnecessary conflict, delays, and lost revenue. Personal agendas and turf
wars consume valuable time and energy.

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It is the degree that I regard my investment in the work I do as meaningful and
contributory, using my mind, my hands, having my heart in it and knowing that we can
be open and honest, that I am either engaged or disengaged.
Using me creatively and allowing me
to apply my mind in providing
solutions, giving me opportunity to
grow and develop and telling me what
you expect of me.

We are open, honest and
Rewarding me fairly and behave with integrity – “a
ensuring I have the skills to promise we make is a promise we Treating me with respect,
deliver what you expect of keep recognising achievement
me and the systems allow and creating a sense of
ENGAGED belonging
me to do what is expected.

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The Work and Engagement applied

In any organisation there are typically team members at two ends of the scale:
• those who are totally demotivated and at the point of exit making no real
contribution to the business.

• Those who appear highly motivated and are seen to be significant contributors, in
other words, engaged.

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There is however another core of team members who are:

Neither demotivated Nor motivated

HI RISK – LO ENGAGEMENT

They simply exist, moving up and down the stages of demotivation and likely to exit at
some point in time.
Typically referred to as “high maintenance”, having to be
told what to do day in and day out.
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Quite simply, adopting a process that accepts that we are dealing with humans whose
behaviour will be directly in relation to the extent we address the whole being,

Will determine the extent to which our teams are either,

DISENGAGED ENGAGED
or

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Core Elements of Engagement

Fundamental to ENGAGEMENT are *six primary building blocks with Leadership at the
core.

*Based on a Six Sigma foundation 25

Defining ENGAGEMENT is not complex, however it needs to be viewed
holistically if it is produce meaning results. The foregoing has set the a
imperative for success which is the unequivocal buy-in and
commitment of leadership.

Engagement reflects alignment of each employee’s
very personal goals and drivers of job satisfaction
with the organization’s strategy and contribution
requirements.

We need to provide clear objectives and a work environment that recognizes the value of
employees. Retention and engagement aren’t achieved through organization - wide work/life
policies, talent management systems or culture initiatives alone. Realistically, if employees
themselves aren’t clear on what they do well and what matters most to them, it’s unlikely
that any work situation will engage them. (It’s the “You can’t get what you want if you don’t
know what you’re looking for” dilemma.) Managers can make a difference, but not if they
themselves aren’t crystal clear on what the organization needs or their well-intentioned
coaching misses the mark.

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ORGANISATION
Clear unambiguous communication of
what the business definition of success
is:
• the values and mission.
INDIVIDUAL • the goals for the ensuing period.
Clear unambiguous definition and • the strategy by which it intends
understanding of what the employees achieving those goals.
own definition of personal success is: • etc.
• career growth.
• financial reward
• worklife quality.
• etc.

When we both know what represents success and the business merges, shrinks or shift
strategies and employees wade through quagmires of to-dos, meetings and information
overload, it’s more important than ever that individuals at all levels engage and focus on
what matters most. We can only do that when we know ‘WHAT’ matters.

The core fundamental principle is OPENESS – HONESTY – INTEGRITY .

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The Engagement Map

The ENGAGEMENT MAP serves as the definitive base that drives the entire engagement
process from measurement through to the delivery of results. It is also the basis for the
development of an holistic and commercial HR strategy.

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The Engagement Map – Dimensions Defined

 The business is basis upon which to construct all human capital engagement processes and is intended to foster confidence in the future of the organization with a
positive perception of the group culture and strategy. Facilitating a work ethic which meets both the needs of the individual contributor and the organization.

 Communication comprising processes and actions that support effective communication across the business. The primary areas include the effective
communication of company vision and goals, ongoing communication from the desk of the CEO, general business communication facilitating collaboration within
the business and individual communication between employees.

 Job Environment which is made up of all elements around functional positions and roles performed by individuals and the teams in which they exist, operate and
collaborate within.

 Learning & Development embraces actions and activities that support a continuous learning culture where skills are developed to ensure current delivery
requirements both technical and managerial. The development of talent to reduce operational risk within the context of structured succession planning. The
facilitation of an environment where career development expectations of employees are realistically met and/or managed.

 Management which constitutes appropriate management actions and behaviors spanning all levels of management throughout the business. These include direct
and immediate managers, senior managers, the leadership team within the Board.

 Performance Management incorporates all aspects of the performance management process including a consistent systemized approach across the entire
business which adopts a process addressing current performance and development process. This is facilitated with rigorous training to ensure all users conform to
and can manage the Group performance management systems.

 Reward categories include policies and practices that evolve around REMUNERATION – RECOGNITION - APPRECIATION

 Work Environment incorporates both the hygiene principles and the physical facilities that engenders a positive perception of the workplace within which service
delivery is initiated. Included in this dimension is the effective use of technology and technology platforms. This is supplemented by rational and planned social
responsibility actions

These dimensions serve as the measurement platform of ENGAGEMENT MAPPING and the
ensuing delivery strategy.

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BUSINESS CONFIDENCE Dimensions Defined
(Q8)I am aware of the vision senior management has for the future of this
organisation
(Q9)I am aware of the values of this organisation
BUSINESSis basis upon which to
(Q10)I am aware of the overall strategy senior management has for this
organisation
construct all human capital
(Q16)I believe in the overall purpose of this organisation
(Q17)I believe in the values of this organisation
engagement processes and is intended
(Q18)I believe in the work done by this organisation
(Q20)This organisation is ethical
to foster confidence in the future of
(Q21)This organisation is socially responsible
(Q22)This organisation is environmentally responsible
the organization with a positive
(Q115)The goals and objectives of this organisation are being reached
(Q116)The future for this organisation is positive
perception of the group culture and
(Q117)Overall, this organisation is successful
(Q119)Change is handled well in this organisation
strategy. Facilitating a work ethic which
(Q120)The way this organisation is run has improved over the last year
(Q121)This organisation is innovative
meets both the needs of the individual
(Q122)This organisation is good at learning from its mistakes and successes
(Q124)This organisation offers products and/or services that are high quality
contributor and the organization.
(Q125)This organisation understands the needs of its customers
(Q126)Customers are satisfied with our products and/or services

NEITHER
RARELY SOMEWHAT
DISENGAGED ENGAGED/DIS ENGAGED
ENGAGED ENGAGED
ENGAGED

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COMMUNICATION Dimensions Defined
Communication comprising processes
and actions that support effective
communication across the business.
The primary areas include the effective
communication of company vision and
(Q56)Senior management keep people informed about what's going on
(Q57)Senior management listen to other staff goals, ongoing communication from
(Q63)There is good communication across all sections of this organisation
(Q72)I am encouraged to give feedback about things that concern me the desk of the CEO, general business
(Q73)I am consulted before decisions that affect me are made
(Q85)My manager listens to what I have to say communication facilitating
collaboration within the business and
individual communication between
employees.
.

NEITHER
RARELY SOMEWHAT
ENGAGED ENGAGED
ENGAGED

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JOB ENVIRONMENT Dimensions Defined
(Q56)Senior management keep people informed about what's going on
(Q24)I understand my goals and objectives and what is requiredin my job
(Q25)I understand how my job contributes to the overall success,
(Q28)Sexual harassment is prevented and discouraged
(Q29)Discrimination is prevented and discouraged
(Q30)There is equal opportunity for all staff in this organisation
(Q31)Bullying and abusive behaviours are prevented and discouraged
(Q38)In this organisation it is clear who has the responsibility for what
(Q59)This organisation is good at selecting the right people for the right jobs
(Q65)There is cooperation between different sections in this organisation
(Q71)I have input into everyday decision-making in this organisation
 Job Environment which is made up
(Q87)My manager treats me and my work colleagues fairly
(Q91)There are enough opportunities for my career to progress in this
of all elements around functional
organisation
(Q93)My co-workers put in extra effort whenever necessary
positions and roles performed by
(Q95)My co-workers take the initiative in solving problems
(Q97)I have confidence in the ability of my co-workers
individuals and the teams in which
(Q101)I have good working relationships with my co-workers
(Q102)My co-workers give me help and support
they exist, operate and collaborate
(Q134)I like the kind of work I do
(Q135)Overall, I am satisfied with my job
within.
(Q137)I am likely to still be working in this organisation in 2 years time
(Q138)I would like to still be working in this organisation in 5 years time
.
(Q139)I can see a future for me in this organisation
(Q141)When I work I really exert myself as much as I can
(Q142)I put in extra effort whenever necessary
(Q143)I work harder than is required
(Q145)I carry out core parts of my job well
(Q146)I cope with changes to the way I have to do tasks
(Q147)I complete tasks well using standard procedures
(Q149)I initiate better ways of doing tasks
(Q150)I come up with ideas to improve the way tasks are done
(Q151)I make changes to the way tasks are done

NEITHER
RARELY SOMEWHAT
ENGAGED ENGAGED
ENGAGED

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LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT Dimensions Defined
 Learning & Development embraces
actions and activities that support a
continuous learning culture where
skills are developed to ensure
current delivery requirements both
(Q43)Staff have good skills at using the technology
(Q64)Knowledge and information is shared throughout.
technical and managerial. The
(Q67)When people start in new jobs here they are trained
(Q68)There is a commitment to ongoing training and development of staff
development of talent to reduce
(Q69)The training and development received has improved my performance
(Q89)Enough time and effort is spent on career planning
operational risk within the context
(Q90)I am given opportunities to develop skills for career progression of structured succession planning.
The facilitation of an environment
where career development
expectations of employees are
realistically met and/or managed.

NEITHER
RARELY SOMEWHAT
ENGAGED ENGAGED
ENGAGED

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MANAGEMENT Dimensions Defined
 Management which constitutes
appropriate management actions
((Q55)Senior management are good role models for staff
and behaviors spanning all levels of
(Q60)Managers in this organisation know the benefits of employing the right
people
management throughout the
(Q61)Managers in this organisation are clear about the type of people we need
to employ
business. These include direct and
(Q84)I have confidence in the ability of my manager
(Q86)My manager gives me help and support
immediate managers, senior
managers, the leadership team
within the Board. .

NEITHER
RARELY SOMEWHAT
ENGAGED ENGAGED
ENGAGED

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PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT Dimensions Defined
 Performance Management
incorporates all aspects of the
performance management process
including a consistent systemized
(Q12)Staff are encouraged to continually improve their performance
approach across the entire business
(Q13)High standards of performance are expected
(Q14)This organisation has a strong focus on achieving positive results
which adopts a process addressing
(Q26)During my day-to-day duties I understand how well I am doing
(Q80)My performance is reviewed and evaluated often enough
current performance and
(Q81)The way my performance is evaluated is fair
(Q82)The way my performance is evaluated provides me with clear guidance
development process. This is
for improvement
(Q98)My co-workers are productive in their jobs
facilitated with rigorous training to
(Q99)My co-workers do their jobs quickly and efficiently ensure all users conform to and can
manage the Group performance
management systems.

NEITHER
RARELY SOMEWHAT
ENGAGED ENGAGED
ENGAGED

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REWARD Dimensions Defined
 Reward categories include policies
and practices that evolve around:
 REMUNERATION
((Q75)The rewards and recognition I receive from this job are fair
(Q76)This organisation fulfills its obligation to me
(Q77)I am satisfied with the income I receive  RECOGNITION
(Q78)I am satisfied with the benefits I receive (super, leave etc)

 APPRECIATION

NEITHER
RARELY SOMEWHAT
ENGAGED ENGAGED
ENGAGED

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WORK ENVIRONMENT Dimensions Defined
 Work Environment incorporates
both the hygiene principles and
the physical facilities that
(Q33)I have access to the right equipment and resources to do my job well
engenders a positive perception of
(Q34)I have easy access to all the information I need to do my job well
(Q35)We can get access to additional resources when we need to
the workplace within which
(Q37)There are clear policies and procedures for how work is to be done
(Q39)Our policies and procedures are efficient and well-designed
service delivery is initiated.
(Q41)The technology used in this organisation is kept up to date
(Q42)This organisation makes good use of technology
Included in this dimension is the
(Q45)Keeping high levels of health and safety is a priority of this organisation
(Q46)We are given all necessary safety equipment and training
effective use of technology and
(Q47)Staff are aware of their occupational health and safety responsibilities
(Q48)Supervisors and management engage in good safety behaviour
technology platforms. This is
(Q50)The buildings, grounds and facilities I use are in good condition
(Q51)Condition of the buildings, grounds and facilities is regularly reviewed
supplemented by rational and
(Q52)The buildings, grounds and facilities I use are regularly upgraded planned social responsibility
actions

NEITHER
RARELY SOMEWHAT
ENGAGED ENGAGED
ENGAGED

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The Engagement Index - Analysis

Paramount to the success of
the ENGAGEMENT PROCESS is
the data supporting the
measurement. This is obtained
via a confidential survey
process.

Before you execute any type of employee survey—you should be aware that it may backfire
if you do not plan to take action on learning the results. The employee survey is a starting
point for organizational change. The survey helps you pinpoint areas that need to be
addressed from your employee’s perspective in order to engage them in their work and make
them motivated, committed and satisfied within the business. Management should
incorporate a communication plan in the employee survey process to increase participation
and encourage submission of honest feedback.

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The Engagement Index - Communication

A substantial survey response
rate is imperative – response
rates in excess of 90% is
achievable and adds credibility
to the entire process for very
obvious reasons

The communication plan should include how the employee and the organization will benefit
from the survey, and what you intend to do with the information you gather from the survey.
The best way to get employees to believe in the process is to remind them of the goals, ask
for feedback and show them progress and results. When planning to administer a survey, a
good way to instill confidence in the process is by having a third-party involved. Employees
will feel more comfortable and respond more openly and honestly when they know their
responses are anonymous and being gathered by an outside organization.

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Employee survey results are
useless without insightful
analysis and detailed
comparison.
Too many organizations look at • Many organizations wonder if they have to share
employee survey data as a a summary of the results with their employees.
reactive process. Find the • What if you choose to communicate only
problem and fix it and your strengths and top goals?
numbers will go up.
Unfortunately, it’s rarely that In almost all scenarios—transparency beats concealment.
easy. An organization should
analyse the problem, Your top performers are already aware of
understand the root cause(s) organizational issues and are waiting to see if you
and take appropriate actions are too. More importantly, they are waiting to see if
that address the root cause(s). you are willing to admit what they are and what you
plan to do about them.

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• An employee survey focusing on engagement and business execution gives you
measurable insights into the factors that influence your business success.
• For example, a company with a strategy of focusing on improving customer service might
find that locations that receive higher customer service scores also have higher
engagement.
• In this situation you would probably want to understand what engages these employees.
You can also look further at organizational changes and how the changes may impact
employee engagement and ability to execute company strategy.
• For example, are employees who have changed managers frequently more or less
engaged? Are the more engaged employees higher performers? How is engagement
related to retention? These are just a few important questions to ask and answer.
• Obviously, implementing an employee survey is only the beginning in the process of
getting to know what drives engagement, how effective your organization is at
communicating and executing the business strategy, and what actions your organization
should take to have the most impact.

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The Team & Engagement

The choice:

or

The answer is pretty obvious.

However what is not so obvious is the route to get from one to the other. It is this
ambiguity and the plethora of views, attitudes and opinions which presents the
biggest mental block to employee engagement programmes.

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The Team and Engagement

At the risk of invoking the patriotic wrath of sports lovers, there are so many examples
of teams entering a tournament as the underdogs, but for inherent skill, vast amounts
of passion and inspirational leadership have ended up victorious. There is no difference
between the characteristics of a successful sports team to which we can all relate, and
that of a team in the workplace.

What are those characteristics:

• Clear purpose and goals to which the team is willing to commit.

• Honest two-way communication, when things are good and when they are not.

• Roles and expectations that are defined, understood and accepted.
•
• Clear decision-making and communication processes.

This is not difficult to achieve, nor does it entail the investment of large sums of money.

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The Team and Engagement

You engage teams by engaging individuals. When people individually understand, own,
believe in and commit to their responsibility in the team, they will be engaged. There are
many analogies that can be drawn from sport to illustrate this, baseball offers the most
classic example.

Nine players across the baseball diamond who individually at every innings have a
specialist, active offensive and defensive job.

Although the Pitcher is a single specialist in his
team, he has to perform individually and throw
a “strike”. He is absolutely dependant on all 8 of
his team members to complete the task and get
the ball back on base to get the out, should the
batter hit the ball. This applies to every other
specialist position on the field

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In Summary, key concepts to consider

• Engagement is the primary enabler of successful execution of any
business strategy.
An engaged workforce is your only true competitive
advantage. It is almost impossible for your opposition to copy.

• Engagement is not a short-term initiative.
Because engagement is simple in concept but complex and continuously
evolves in execution, it is never achieved or finished—only improved.

• Engagement must be driven from the top.
Engagement is a business imperative, not an HR initiative, though HR should
be a key player in driving higher levels of engagement. Support from the top
also means senior leaders must be highly engaged themselves.

• One of the best ways to have highly engaged employees is to hire them!
Certain people have a set of characteristics or attributes that increase their
propensity for engagement. Close attention should be paid to these
characteristics in the hiring process.

45


• Engagement is all about fit.
People are more likely to be engaged if their jobs and the culture of the
organization match, both their abilities and skills, their motivation and
values. In addition to ability and skill consider the individual motivation
and value match in hiring and promotions.

• No one impacts the state of engagement more than an employee’s immediate
leader.
People do not leave their jobs; they leave their bosses. A
leader who is coaching for success, setting clear goals, empowering
others, providing open and honest feedback and making the
winners feel valued will always be ahead of the pack.

• Measuring engagement and demonstrating its business impact is crucial, but it’s
only a diagnostic tool.
There is little value to pour resources into measuring and re-measuring,
leaving little energy or budget for actually improving engagement levels.
Spend your resources and energy moving engagement in the right direction.

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• Engagement means reaching the heart.
Highly engaged employees give that extra effort because they care. They
care because they feel respected, acknowledged and cared for. The
recognition of the “whole person” is key to your engagement initiatives.

• Last but not least, this is not all just about money.
A significant proportion of an engagement programme is about
leadership willingness to exert effort and energy. Throwing money at the
problem will not in itself generate long term sustainable engagement.

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Conclusion

As indicated at the beginning of the presentation the intention has not been to provide
you with a compendium of tricks by which to magically achieve employee engagement.

The objective has been to invoke your thought process as a respected business leader.
• There are alternative routes to achieving the success in the business you are
passionate about.
• There is no logical need for you to be the sole bearer of that passion, when you
potentially have an organisation full of like minded participants, who are in many
ways are chomping at the bit to be given the opportunity to share your passion.

I would be more than happy to discuss, share and compare notes with you. Please feel
free to email me on cecilvniekerk@hotmail.com

The remaining 3 elements around IMPROVEMENT – CONTROL
- RESULTS will be covered in
a future presentation.

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a creative wizards presentation

Employee engagement demystified

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