Ten Simple Ways to Engage Your Employees

Ten Simple Ways to Engage Your Employees

By Dennis McCafferty

When meeting with employees, turn away from the computer screen, put away the smartphone and give them your undivided attention. This demonstrates that you care about what they have to say.

Engage by making eye contact and nodding in agreement to good ideas. And don’t forget that a simple smile can transform a tense conversation into an easy one.

Address people by their first names to humanize day-to-day work encounters.

Take moments to ask employees about their personal interests and–in a business-appropriate way–their families. (Such as how their kids are doing in their sports leagues.)

Readily admit your mistakes after a project/task failure. Employees respect leaders who are willing to fall on the sword.

Never hesitate to say “How can I help you today?” It conveys that you’re part of the team, not just the boss.

Promptly reply to staffers’ emails, even if it’s just to say “I don’t know. But let me find out and I’ll get right back to you.”

Show up for team/IT department meetings on time–or even a few minutes early. When you’re late, you send the message that you feel your time is more important than theirs.

In meetings and one-on-ones, invite staffers to present their ideas first instead of starting off with yours. In doing so, they’ll feel their contributions are more valued.

Be generous with your email “thank you” messages for a job well-done. Then select special moments to send handwritten notes of appreciation.