These days, these tough times are not a puppy dog world.
The going is rough and tough. Most forecasts and predictions about recession say will not get any better in the next 6-12 months.
This week's focus is NOT on how the current downturn impacts employee engagement. You already know that.
Instead,
I offer you a baker's dozen tips on how to keep engagement alive and
(relatively) well these days. Four tips today, four tips tomorrow
(12/10), and five tips Thursday (12/11)
Don't Hide. The puppy above is cute hiding behind the flower pot. But hiding these days is not cute. As manager and leader you cannot hide from the infinite number of questions your employees have. We've all been conditioned by life in the business world to avoid admitting, "I don't know." But not having answers to all (or even very many) of those questions cannot send you into hiding. "Behind closed doors" behavior will only intensify uncertainty -- and so disengagement among your people. Tomorrow and Thursday I'll offer suggestions to employ when you're not in hiding.
Don't "Talk Around." This relates to
the "I don't know" fear mentioned above. A mixed metaphor but true: too
much BS leaves egg on your face. Don't make up answers just to get
around the fear your employees express. Talking just to fill the
silence -- and to avoid admitting, "I don't know" -- will not pay off.
Just about everyone is savvy enough to recognize hot air when it hits
them. The best alternative to "I don't know" is to tell all you do know
and finish with, "That's all I know right now. I'll update you as I
learn more."
Don't Pollyanna. Pollyanna was the book
character who saw everything as perfect...or surely soon to be perfect.
Her glass was half full. Her glasses were rose-colored. Her future was
nothing but wonderful. Her credibility today would be for nil. Yours,
too, if you don't see and talk honestly about the bad, the reality, the
true situation.
Don't Be a Naysayer. Even if you think "talking the bad" will make a little good news that much better, painting a picture of gloom will not boost your employees' engagement. It only adds to their distraction, their dismay, and their doubt that engagement will mean much or do much good in the long run.
Tomorrow I offer you Do's that complement these Don't's. Hope to see you then.
Photo Source: Simon Hepworth
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