The ability to attract and retain exceptional staff is crucial for the success of every business. Retaining talented employees has become even more vital, and this necessitates strong leadership, an area where we unfortunately fall short. The impact of strong leadership on team engagement is significant, as performance flourishes when teams are fully engaged.
I came across a remarkable article by Ron Carucci, a Forbes contributor, who interviewed bestselling author Mark Crowley, renowned for his book “Lead from the Heart.” Crowley shared four key points, complemented by my own insights, that will help you enhance team engagement. These points may not be groundbreaking or revolutionary, but they yield tangible results,
1. Deeply invest in your teams. It goes beyond occasional rewards like monthly prizes, social outings, or training courses. Investing in your team entails spending time with each individual, ensuring their growth, learning, and overall well-being. Share your knowledge and wisdom to demonstrate your care and belief in their potential. Set high expectations for your team and provide the necessary support to enable their success.
2. Establish personal connections with individuals. While maintaining healthy boundaries is essential, it is crucial to understand that leading someone requires a multifaceted understanding of their life. This is particularly relevant for millennials, where work and personal life blend together. Take the time to know your team members individually, engage in one-on-one interactions to understand their motivations, areas of improvement, and aspirations. Tailor your leadership approach to align with their unique goals.
3. Prioritise hiring individuals with heart or the right attitude. Leaders must genuinely care about their people. When hiring new leaders, this quality should be a key driver of their success. Embrace the adage, “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” Demonstrating a track record of investing in people and fostering their success should be a deciding factor in your hiring decisions.
4. Demonstrate appreciation and recognition. Show your team members that their contributions matter and make a difference. We all crave a sense of value and impact in our work. Exceptional leaders possess the ability to highlight the significance of their team’s efforts. Regularly express gratitude, acknowledge their work, and make it known that they are integral to the team’s success.
I encourage you to assess yourself against these four points and evaluate your performance. Furthermore, consider taking a bold step and ask your team to provide feedback on how you fare in these areas. By doing so, you demonstrate your genuine concern for their well-being and your commitment to continuous improvement as a leader
Roger Simpson – CEO, The Retail Solution and Author of “The Ultimate Retail Sales Experience” With over 35 years’ industry experience, Roger Simpson is recognized as Australia’s #1 Authority on customer ROI in the retail industry and as a global expert on staff coaching, customer service, and selling skills.
