Back on the 1st, I introduced the idea that genuine, sustainable engagement like motivation comes from within and cannot be manufactured by well-meaning managers or short-term initiatives. That is not to say, however, that company leadership is relieved of its responsibility to catalyze it. How to do so – authentically, effectively, sustainably – is the million-dollar question.
 
We propose it starts by fostering a conspiracy of meaning throughout the entire organization. Rather than some nefarious plot to mutiny, this group-driven effort identifies and elevates a company’s mission, vision and values to everyday, top-of-mind prominence, not through words, but through actions. Say, for instance, your mission states, “We strive to turn customers into friends.” Your vision might be “to create a more connected world” and your core values might include kindness, thoughtful consideration and global citizenship. That’s great website copy for your company page, but if your employees are not routinely friendly there’s no way your customers will feel like friends.
 
So… here’s the “responsibility to catalyze” part… leadership is the link between words and actions. When those at the top of your organization encourage, support & provide myriad hands-on opportunities for every employee from production line worker to direct service provider, VP to data entry clerk to “live your company values” every day, authentic engagement (loyalty, job satisfaction, contribution, etc.) results.
 
I promised you a civic-minded example, so based on the above-mentioned core values kindness, thoughtful consideration & global citizenship, here it is: Read to a Child.
It doesn’t have to be complicated; the simple act of connecting with a child, sharing your lap, your enthusiasm for reading & knowledge may just inspire another global citizen who, given a few years, can partner with you to create a more connected world.

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “cause-driven”? In our experience this hyphenated descriptor is often linked to the aggregate word, organization or the singular responsibility, leadership and is most-often employed in non/not-for-profit environments. This seems both overlarge and limiting at the same time. It begs the questions: What cause? Why just one? At what cost? How do we do this? And, inevitably, in our experience furthers the act of following rather than forging ahead… leaving the act of championing or stewarding the “cause” to just a couple of committed folks.
 
What if the concept, phrase, practice were set free among the rank and file as an everyday imperative? Not just an admonition or incentive to “do something good (your choice) in the community.” You know, volunteer, sit on a board, chair a 5K committee, donate to raffles, bid high at silent auctions. What if the “cause” were engagement, individually and holistically?
 
Huh? Exactly! In the well-meaning desire to attract and retain talented individuals, organizations have saddled HR, talent development, managers, supervisors… with an impossible job. No one can keep someone else engaged, PERIOD. Engagement, like motivation, comes from within. It is active, not passive. So, the “cause” must be global in nature and the opportunities to advance it varied enough to appeal to all. How? Turn it over. When the responsibility for engagement lies with those we count on to be engaged, it opens a world of creative possibilities… not least of which include Genuine Community & Innovation – desired outcomes, yes, but more importantly, drivers of long-term (profitable, even!) survival.
 
Check back on the 15th; I’ll follow up with a civics-inspired example.