Every week I facilitate workshops in the corporate arena. Have a look at the 3 circles image which is attached.The crux is the ‘True You’ circle is in many ways unexplored. Funny, that it is in this circle where we find so many of the answers to the challenges we face as leaders.
The ‘way of the team’ is about the organisations values, vision, mission etc. An organisation will then need people (employees) to fulfill their professional rolls and deliver on what is needed to make an organisation thrive. The ‘professional you’ circle is thus about business models, systems, process and need IQ based skills an individual needs to perform.
Continually, studies reveal that engagement levels within organisations are as low as 20%. An engaged employee could be described as productive, committed, effective, motivated, energised and innovative. They go ‘the extra mile.’ A further 60% are disengaged. They share productivity and commitment with the engaged, however are low in energy, motivation and creativity. In many ways, disengaged employees are there to pick up the pay check and will do the bare minimum of what is expected of them. Actively disengaged are those who work for you, yet work against you! Passionately, they spread negativity recruiting members into their cause.
Engagement is critical. Disengagement costs! (A recent USA survey revealed such disengagement costs the economy $300 billion annually!) Given this, many organisations are asking how to engage their staff. We at Appletree believe it starts with the True You. Our process is one of uncovering the individuals ‘True You’ and aligning the 3 circles. Thats where the sweet spot exists!
I am continually amazed as the results of this alignment. All it takes is for individuals to raise their level of awareness and connect with who they are and what they stand for, and how that can be expressed through the functional side of what they do (professional you) and therefore impact their organisation. Individuals and even teams who align what they stand for with the organisations mission lay a platform for sustainable engagement.
People desire to know that they are contributing with their strengths and talents into something greater than themselves. Engagement goes hand in hand with self motivation and drive, stimulating creativity and energising a workforce. Every organisation has the opportunity to provide a platform for people to thrive!
The question we always ask is, ‘Are your people simply bringing their hands and feet to work or their hearts and souls?’ ‘Are you bringing your hands and feet to work or your heart and soul?
Have a closer look at the 3 circles, think about it and look at how it could apply to your own lives or your teams and business. Refer to www.appletreelive.com for more info and updates on the challenging yet rewarding topic of engagement. I will write more on this in the next few weeks.
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Travis Gale has spent the last 5 years running his own development business in South Africa’s corporate world and is currently involved in various long term partnerships with clients across a number of industries. Furthermore he has travelled to conferences internationally hunting down latest trends and insights. Having cycled around the world and survived a tsunami, his passion for crossing borders often lends itself to an interesting blend of stories and insight. He sees himself as a ‘change catalyst’ and displays strength in facilitating insight into the right spaces. Find out more at www.appletreelive.com