Guest Blog by Gary Decker, Win Moves Coaching
A recent Gallup study showed that two thirds of US workers are not highly involved in and enthusiastic about their work and workplace and are doing just what they need to or less in their jobs. This measure has fluctuated during 2020 between a disengaged low of 60% and a high of 70%. As we move toward year end the results continue to erode, and likely will worsen.
Ohio State University performed a study this year showing that the right kind of attentive and visionary leader, however, can help alleviate pandemic related stress and improve employee engagement, a key measure of success and workforce stability for companies.
Business leaders looking at these statistics should be asking themselves some essential questions. As employers and teams continue to meet evolving business goals, how can leaders know less engaged team members will stick around or will be ready to go hard when the economy begins to improve again? Are employees already looking for better roles in more attractive, growing fields? How do leaders know that their best and brightest people are in alignment to stay strong contributors?
While business leaders and employers are working frantically to meet daily goals and commitments—difficult in a good year, but in 2020, an intense challenge—we need to spend more time right now, not less, on being ready for the new changes that will come fast.
This is a CRITICAL time to stop and reflect on the right kind of actions that can be taken now to ensure leaders and employees can survive the 2020 Winter Challenge and thrive in 2021:
Here are some key points around which leaders and employees need to strategize:
- What is the vision leaders are presenting for their teams?
- How are employees being engaged in that vision to understand and provide input?
- How are organizations balancing business goals and deadlines with the need for heightened sensitivity to the many challenges their employees are facing?
The steps taken right now will be a crucial foundation for the success in 2021 we all plan to realize! These steps include:
- Taking the time to show active empathy toward individual team members and their experiences – remember, this is about THEM, not YOU.
- Seeking explicit input to the vision and challenges you are sharing with employees to strengthen their alignment to success. Following up on suggestions and implementing the best ideas is key.
- Giving plenty of positive feedback on all contributions being made. Even the most basic actions take great effort right now.
Taking on one more task right now can feel overwhelming, but there are some straightforward approaches that make successful change attainable. On Friday, December 11, I am joining the Chamber for a webinar to help leaders face the Winter 2020 Challenge with 7 Tips for Leaders to Shift 2020 Stress into 2021 Success. I will explain some of ideas above in more detail and provide guidance with insights and examples into what successful leaders have enacted in these key areas. Participants will leave the session with impactful actions that they can implement NOW!
Win Moves Coaching
Gary K. Decker
Certified Professional Coach, Business Leader and Strategic Partner
Helping clients to navigate opportunities that allow them to thrive, Win Moves Coaching offers one-on-one, team, and peer group coaching programs in four primary focus areas: leadership, success, agility and purpose. Gary Decker has led powerful business journeys for more than 35 years in his accomplished career. He recently joined the southeastern CT community and is eager to work with business leaders and teams across professional sectors to maximize their success through a powerful, positive, and forward perspective.