Sometimes I'm asked how all this information about one's true potential can make a difference in everyday matters. Let's say you own a business. What difference does it make if one is engaging one's true potential, or if their employees are?
When employees are given the opportunity to engage their true potential, they become engaged employees, or they leave. Either way, it's better because that either boosts productivity or saves money.
Disengaged employees cost money. A Gallup poll conducted in 2006 found that productivity losses for each disengaged employee come to $13,000 annually, and to the country’s businesses, more than $300 billion. A previous study showed that disengaged employees miss an average of 3.5 more days per year than other workers.
So, what creates engagement? Gallup found 12 experiences employees report that create employee engagement. These experiences are a direct result of the Generally Accepted Authentic Power Principles I present as part of my business offerings. The Authentic Power Principles are:
1. Create an Energizing Vision and Goals – meaningful, motivating, relevant
2. Activate Authentic Engagement – purpose, skills and talents, contribution
3. Commit to Trustworthy Communication – intention, active listening, respect
4. Unleash Exceptional Creativity -- Your Authentic Voice® System – access to that authentic self out of which comes authentic power
5. Embrace Authentic Leadership –interconnectedness, benevolence, authentic power
The 12 experiences Gallup found to promote employee engagement, and their connection to these principles, are:
1. I know what is expected of me at work. (Trustworthy Communication)
2. I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right. (Authentic Leadership)
3. At work, I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day. (Authentic Engagement)
4. In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work. (Trustworthy Communication)
5. My supervisor, or someone at work, seems to care about me as a person. (Authentic Leadership)
6. There is someone at work who encourages my development. (Authentic Leadership)
7. At work, my opinions seem to count. (Trustworthy Communication)
8. The mission or purpose of my company makes me feel my job is important. (Energizing Vision and Goals)
9. My associates or fellow employees are committed to doing quality work. (Exceptional Creativity)
10. I have a best friend at work. (Authentic Leadership, Authentic Engagement)
11. In the last six months, someone at work has talked to me about my progress. (Authentic Leadership)
12. This last year, I have had opportunities at work to learn and grow. (Authentic Engagement)
To create environments where employees are engaged and thriving is the key ingredient to creating a business that works. People in positions of leadership would do well to know that helping their employees engage their true potential and be able to express it at work will help them all in the long and short term. This means letting go of old ideas of leadership by authority. In the words of Ken Blanchard, “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.”
Look for ways you can create environments so your employees, friends, loved ones and community members may express their true potential -- their authentic selves. By doing so, you create the energy and the opportunity for all to succeed.
Like beautiful guardians of the earth, these Chihuly sculptures compliment nature.
Copyright 2009, Andrea Beaulieu Creates, LLC
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