Discussion swirls these days in leadership circles around declining employee morale, increased sick time, and declining employee commitment to work. Countless hours are spent conducting employee engagement surveys, pouring over the results, and then, in many cases the application of Band-Aids solutions in haste to meet mandated requirements rather than taking the time to dig into the underlying reasons.Despite the changing demographics and demands associated with them, the solution to the issues is one that connects to the three basic human needs identified by Maslow: we all need to feel seen, heard, and understood. These translate into the 4C’s of engagement: Connection, Communication, Collaboration and Co-creation.
Connection:
- It’s all about relationships! People want to feel that they belong, to be a part of a community; to be connected to their colleagues and to their leaders. The more positive the relationships within the community the happier and subsequently more productive people will be.
Communication:
- We all want to feel heard and understood. Open, transparent communication by leaders at all levels supported by authentic, respectful, healthy dialogue amongst employees’ supports the development of a caring, strong community.
Collaboration:
- Healthy competition is good, however, a pervasive air of rivalry can undermine and erode
morale. Encourage people to work together on solutions to everyday problems. As a leader, take a collaborative approach when addressing concerns to proactively prevent the “me against them” interpretation.
Co-Creation:
- As you move towards creating a more positive and stable work environment engage everyone in conversations about what needs to be done. Seek their input and follow through on their suggestions as much as possible. Creating sustainable change is far more likely if you ask people to “do it with you, rather than having it done to them!”
It will take some hard work and persistence on everyone’s part, but establishing and sustaining the use of the 4 C’s in your office will result in a happier workforce and a more productive work place!
Contact Endless Possibilities Executive Coaching & Consulting for a complimentary consultation today!
