Cause-Driven Engagement

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.