Rarely Discussed Critical Role

Most employee engagement initiatives focus on two elements – what the organization and what leadership must do to maximize the commitment, effort, and loyalty of its workforce.  While I agree these are absolutely critical, there is still a significant missing element rarely discussed or considered.  It’s the role of individual employees in employee engagement.  Sound too basic?  Do not fool yourself.  Most organizations I work with have a “V-8 moment” and put their figurative hand on their forehead when I bring it up.

Let me illustrate through the use of a youth soccer team.  Coach Lou has many of the characteristics one wants their young son or daughter to be exposed to when playing sports.  He’s genuine, cares about each of his players, listens well, uses positive reinforcement, is consistent, teaches through hands on interaction, and addresses issues promptly when they come up.  Values like teamwork, continuous improvement, and good sportsmanship are emphasized and modeled by the coach.

Now, let’s focus on two of his players this year – Chloe and Allie.  Both are about the same in physical stature and skill level but their attitude and subsequent behaviors are very different.  One is very ‘engaged’ and one is not.  Here’s a quick summary of some key attitudes and behaviors:

                 Chloe                                                                     Allie
Always at practice and on time                             Misses practices and usually late
Offers to help other teammates                            Expects everyone to help her
Puts in extra effort & helps with equipment        Does the basics - first in line for snacks
Practices drills at home                                         Busy with other things
Cheers for team when not in game                       Focuses on other things when not in game
Proudly wears jersey                                             Takes jersey off right after the game
Does not grumble, if she doesn’t play                  Complains about coach & other players constantly
Encourages others to join team                            Says she will be looking for new team

The two youth soccer players above have the same physical environment to play in – same equipment - same coach – same teammates – same rules of the game.  But Chloe ‘chose’ to be engaged and Allie did not! It is reflected in their attitude and behaviors.  Which player would you like to have as a teammate?  Which player would you rather coach?  Which player would have the biggest positive impact on the team’s performance?

So, as you refine your engagement strategy to achieve and sustain high performance, please consider the following:

1. Have we provided clarity on what engaged and disengaged behavior (leaders and employees) looks like in our organization? Have you set expectations?
2. Do we help employees understand what’s in it for them (WIIFM) when they are engaged?  
3. Do we reinforce engaged behavior and pro-actively coach and address disengaged behaviors?

As soccer legend Pele said, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”  That’s personal engagement!!!  And, there can’t be any spectators in an engaged, high performing organization.  Everyone has a critical role to play in engagement for the team to win!