Paul Maisey at the WG Chartered Accountants Executive Forum in Cheltenham

A recent government backed report – Engaging for Success – looked at the role of Employee Engagement in surviving the recession and producing high level performance results. It concluded that better engagement could do more than “anything else“ for the success of UK businesses. Below are some highlights and thoughts on how you could make a difference.

WHY?
The report outlined the enormous amount of evidence that higher employee engagement leads to better customer service and better financial performance.

Did you know that
• a massive study of 50 organisations and 664000 employees showed that high engagement lead to a 13% increase in net income whilst low engagement lead to a 4% decrease in net income
• on average people who feel engaged by their company only take 2.7 days per year sick absence whilst people with no sense of engagement take 6.2 days

SO WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
The reports says you could focus on
• visible leadership
• clear shared vision
• treating people as individuals
• listen to your employees

I think that the frameworks provided in “Leading at a higher level “ by Ken Blanchard will give you some excellent ideas.

In particular
1. SCORES – the six elements found in every high performing company
2. SHARED INFORMATION – so that everyone in the company can make the right decision
3. COMPELLING VISION – to energise and focus people
4. ONGOING LEARNING – changing and striving to get better
5. RELENTLESS FOCUS ON CUSTOMERS – an obsessive drive to keep customers
6. ENERGISING SYSTEMS – ensuring structures and processes are aligned to improving results
Shared power – teamwork, collaboration and engagement

You can see a full copy of the Engaging for Success report via www.tinyurl.com/macleodpm

Have a great August
Paul Maisey

Positive "can do" leadership has a positive impact on company performance. In challenging times people look to their leaders to set a tone, direction and drive. High levels of energy lead to actions which drive results. How then as leaders do we keep our energy levels high?

Consider:

1. WHAT MAKES YOU TICK?
Be true to your own values and beliefs. If you believe in something then that finds expression through what you say and do. Demonstrate and talk about your passion for the customer, product, marketplace – whatever gets you fired up! Imagine how great it would be if everyone shared your dream and were passionate about working towards it.

2. PLANNED SPONTANEOUS RECOGNITION
Set yourself a target each day to catch someone doing a good job and praise them! Re-inforce the positive actions that your team take. Appreciate those that always turn up on time, put in that little extra, provide banter and wit. Seek to celebrate a different aspect each day. You will feel great too!

3. LETS GET PHYSICAL
High energy is supported by an energy producing system – your body. Being fitter produces more energy potential so why not walk a bit more , use that gym membership. Consider parking a bit further away from the office/factory – get 15 minutes of extra fresh air and exercise.

4. CHANGE A HABIT
Right handed? Try writing your name left handed ! We become our habits so to improve we need to change old habits/add new ones. You’ll suddenly notice new things ( previously taken for granted ) and feel different. Why not just spend a £1 a day differently to normal. Imagine the possibilities!

5. SET A VISION
Generate a clear VISION for SUCCESS in all the areas ( and beliefs ) that are important to you. What would it look like , feel like , sound like ? How would you know when you had got there ? Share this vision with those important to you.

Have a great time having a great time!

AND for further thoughts on Leadership take a look at our new Video!
Click here to watch it on YouTube.
Paul Maisey