Engagement Archives - Page 3 of 11

The Other Stuff That Makes Us More Successful At Work

Emotional Intelligence, Engagement, Positive Psychology, Workplace Culture / My Holland

If you want to be successful at work, you’re often told to go the extra mile, solve problems, achieve goals, always listen and don’t procrastinate among others. But, did you know that there are more straightforward ways that can lead to more success? Studies show that a strong sense of well-being and productivity go hand in hand. In fact, if you ask experts what does it have to do with performance, they’ll say “everything.” So, if you want to be more successful, maybe you need to first boost your state of happiness. Here are three ways that can help you. Be yourself at work The last thing you want to do is slip into a persona at your workplace. Keeping your guard up is self-defeating. Doing so takes a lot of effort and energy. Also, you may be selling yourself short and miss out on opportunities. Of course, if you aren’t who you really are at work, you’re not going to be happy. To be yourself at work means being real or authentic. Be honest with your opinions, feelings, likes and dislikes. Though remember to be tactful when expressing these. You might offend others. Being authentic also means asking questions when you don’t know something, taking responsibility when making mistakes and admitting shortcomings. You’re not expected to be perfect anyway. You can keep a lot of things about yourself private. Make sure though you are who you are at work, warts and all and not someone else. Build relationships with your colleagues People with strong links with their co-workers are more productive and satisfied. A 2003 study by the Johns Hopkins University Press revealed that individuals who have close ties handle stress better than those who seclude themselves. Also, having close relationships improves trust and teamwork. It encourages camaraderie and creates a sense of belonging which results in better engagement and performance. We’re not suggesting you go out of your way to make friends at work. We’re not implying either that you close your door to possible friendships. You can be friendly and remain professional with your co-workers and even subordinates. It wouldn’t hurt if you went out with them for drinks. Wherever you work, there’s no doubt, you’ll be better off if you have strong ties with your colleagues.

The Other Stuff That Makes Us More Successful At Work Read More »

How to Increase Employee Engagement Organizations are now placing more emphasis on employee engagement

Emotional Intelligence, Engagement / My Holland

Hiring policies today reflect this growing trend. Companies are seeking candidates who not only possess the required skills but have the potential to be highly engaged employees. Companies are also looking inward. They are exploring ways to achieve better employee engagement in the workplace. Below are three suggestions on how you can attain this. Create an Environment for Belongingness A high salary is no longer sufficient to encourage employees to be highly engaged. Many people feel that their employment is only secure as long as their employers view their jobs as necessary. You can’t blame people when they think this way. Employees who dedicated years of their lives to an organization may suddenly lose their jobs because of downsizing or cost-cutting. Fortunately, more companies are beginning to see the benefits of creating an environment where people can feel they belong. They are bringing back the old idea that employees who share their vision are part of a family instead of an organization. Senior officers, department heads and managers are shifting to a leadership style that emphasizes “we” instead of “us” or ”them.” It’s wise if you do the same. Often, praise or an expression of affirmation is all that it takes to make an employee feel valued by your company. If you’re a leader, treat your subordinates as partners who are working with you to achieve shared goals. Unless told otherwise, keep everyone in the loop on the latest news or updates. Recognize effort beyond expectations. Finally, give credit where credit is due. Inspect the areas where your employees work. Are these areas well lit and ventilated? Are the chairs comfortable and desks big enough? Do your employees have the proper tools and equipment to do their work? People won’t feel valued if they work in poor conditions. Employees who feel they belong and appreciated are more likely to become highly engaged in their work. Coming to work no longer feels like a burden. When they are a part of something bigger, they’re bound to be excited every day they go to work.

How to Increase Employee Engagement Organizations are now placing more emphasis on employee engagement Read More »

Women and Transformational Leadership

Engagement, Leadership, Workplace Culture / My Holland

The growing number of women in leadership roles has revealed a distinct leadership style that determines how they run their organizations. This leadership style not only focuses on the achievement of goals but also on employee development. Called transformational leadership, it is challenging traditional ways of running organizations. It would be a mistake to say that men do not care about personal development. However, if we are to believe studies, women have shown a natural tendency towards transformational leadership. But before anything else, let’s discuss the leadership style we’re used to. Transactional Leadership We often hear our company’s president, boss or manager tell us, “It’s not the effort that counts, it’s the result?” Yes, it’s all about results with transactional leaders. It doesn’t matter if we are working more than eight hours a day. Although we undergo additional training or attend company-sponsored seminars, these are geared towards doing our jobs better. It’s not really about our personal development. Transactional leaders are often impersonal when engaging their employees. Sure, they go out for drinks with their subordinates, but there’s no real intent in creating a personal relationship. Our dealings with them are limited to updates and problem-solving. Women and Transformational Leadership Is there an explanation of why women are natural transformational leaders? Well, according to scientists, women have higher oxytocin levels than men. Oxytocin is responsible for maternal behavior and social bonding. This high hormone level explains why women have a greater desire to express concern for their subordinates. So, in the event we are called upon to be transformational leaders, it’s best if we do the following to be successful. Communicate with subordinates more often. Communicate in person rather than through a memo or an email, especially when setting goals. Be sincere and honest. You gain your employees’ trust and they reciprocate in the same way. Create a personal relationship with your employees. Money is not the only motivator in the workplace. You’ll find out a lot of your subordinates are enjoying what they are doing. They are always excited to get to work in the morning. Always match your employees’ interests with assigned tasks. Make your employees feel important. Make it your job to let them know they are a significant part of the whole organization. Lead by example. If you want others to change, be the first to change. If you desire teamwork, be a team player. Employees watch your every move. They wouldn’t do anything you wouldn’t do yourself. With a transformational style of leadership, we can make a significant contribution to any organization. Instead of avoiding it, why not embrace it?

Women and Transformational Leadership Read More »

Engagement

The Other Stuff That Makes Us More Successful At Work

How to Increase Employee Engagement Organizations are now placing more emphasis on employee engagement

Women and Transformational Leadership

Contact Us