Current State of Engagement
- Engagement has recently reached an 11-year low, particularly affecting younger employees and those working remotely or in hybrid setups.
- This metric is crucial for leaders and organizations as it is linked to improved productivity, retention, customer service, safety, work quality, and profitability. Additionally, engagement correlates with enhanced personal well-being and happiness.
## Sobering Statistics
- Only 30% of individuals report high engagement, while 17% express active disengagement, marking an 11-year low in engagement.
- The impact is most evident among those under 35, with Gen Z (age 27 or younger) experiencing a more pronounced effect. Likewise, individuals working away from their colleagues, in remote or hybrid arrangements, are significantly affected.
## New Rules for Engagement
Apart from traditional methods, there are novel rules to enhance engagement:
- Proximity: Encourage a sense of closeness and familiarity, both physically and figuratively, among team members.
- Presence and Attention: Prioritize undistracted interactions and the accessibility of leaders to build trust and increase productivity.
- Performance: Create conditions that energize employees, align work with their skills and challenges, and provide coaching support.
- Pizza: Foster community, trust, and well-being by facilitating shared meals, which in turn enhances engagement and motivation.
- Purpose: Emphasize the significance of individuals' contributions and how they impact the organization's larger goals to foster deeper engagement and commitment.
## Enhancing Engagement
Imagine joining a new company and experiencing a frequent turnover of managers. While challenging, building rapport with each new leader can significantly impact your career. Here are insightful tips for establishing a strong relationship with a new boss:
1. Invest in the Relationship
- Despite potential managerial changes, investing in the relationship is critical to job satisfaction and enjoyable work experiences.
2. Understand Their Priorities
- Align your priorities with your manager's objectives to better support their vision.
3. Anticipate Their Needs
- Develop a proactive mindset to understand and cater to your manager's expectations.
4. Ask Intelligent Questions
- Build rapport by asking thoughtful questions that demonstrate your curiosity and commitment.
5. Practice Empathy
- Develop listening skills and provide supportive feedback to establish trust and understanding.
6. Adapt to Their Communication Style
- Tailor your communication style to match your manager's preferences to foster a thriving work environment.
Establishing rapport with a new boss may be challenging, but adapting to each change can significantly expand your professional network and contribute to your career growth.