Tonight’s BCS game between the Texas Longhorns and the Alabama Crimson Tide offers crystal clear examples of engagement.
Consider how these might fit your managers and employees through 2010:
Pride. Both teams’ players already feel pride from undefeated seasons and getting to the championship game, the ultimate opportunity for success. How does your business culture instill such pride? How do your managers convey the culture’s message?
Competition. Success in tonight’s game requires immediate victory over the opponent. The competition in which your business engages may not be so severe nor confined to 60 minutes’ playing time. Do all of your “players” clearly understand whom and what they compete with? Are they aware they must compete against the current levels of performance in order to improve that?
Spirit. Tonight both teams will express their combinations of values, commitment, and energy. Members of a winning team, an engaged team enjoy a continuous pep rally in their heads/hearts. How do your manager stimulate such spirit? [Note: I'm not suggesting your managers become cheerleaders. I am suggesting they know and apply suitable ways to generate, recognize, and boost their employees' spirit.]
Focus. The desire to win tonight’s game is the abstract. Each individual’s focus on his responsibility is specific. Both complement each other. In what ways does your leadership team communicate the general picture of business goals and strategies? How do your managers develop employees’ autonomous focus on their specific job excellence?
Reliance. From kickoff to final whistle, every player will rely on teammates fulfilling their specific responsibilities. Every player must reliably carry out his own responsibilities. How do you make sure all employees understand functions other employees carry out? How do you insure each employee knows how and why others rely on her or him?
Hook ‘em, Horns!
Tags: BCS game, Communication, Employee Engagement, performance improvement, Texas Longhorns
