It seems to be everywhere and everyone is talking about it. It’s engagement. The question is: is it a fad? A passing fancy? The latest leadership trend that will be replaced in couple years by another one? After all we have seen many trends come and go. The answer is no it is not a fad or passing fancy or the latest management craze. Engagment is trending because of the real results it achieves.

These results are confirmed by studies and have been written about in the major business publications. Here are a few:

• Increase operational margins by 3 times
• Reduce turnover by 30%
• Decreased safety incidents by 5 times
• Consistently beat revenue growth

What would it mean to your business to get these results? Even to get a fraction of these results? Would it make a difference?

If you would like these results, here are the basic steps you need to take.

Where to start. Firstly you need to make the commitment. This may sound simple and straight forward. It’s not to be taken lightly. Depending on your current culture and leadership style, this may be the biggest step. Are you willing to get to the point of having your employees make decisions? Are you ready to create an environment where leadership may come from the bottom-up? Are you willing to give your people the tools and information they need?

Second, you need to know where you are. If you want to measure results you need to take a snapshot of where you are now and use the same method to determine your progress. I wouldn’t suggest a “gut feel”. There are assessments and survey’s available to use. (ask me about them). This will help determine your starting line.

Lastly, understand where you want to be and create a plan to get there. Since most of this requires a change in behaviors and possibly attitudes don’t underestimate how long this can take. If you are looking for an overnight result, this is not for you.

Interested in creating an Engaged Team in your business? Ask me about the “Great Place to Work” program.