24: Three Ways to Engage Others

Every leader needs to engage others in order to maximize the potential of the other person and their commitment to the organization. This week, we’re beginning a series on how to engage the people that you lead. This week’s show begins with a quote from Teresa Amabile, author of The Progress Principle. In a recent commentary on Marketplace, she states, “The single most important thing that can keep workers deeply, happily engaged on the job is moving forward on work they care about — even if the progress is an incremental “small win.” Drive by Daniel Pink is an excellent read on how to engage others. In this book, says there are three things that Pink suggests we focus on the engage others: Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose. Autonomy – Do I have the ability to have control over my life and career? Poor leaders say – “This is the way this has to be done.” [My way is best.] Effective leaders say – “What’s the best way for you to reach this objective?” [My way is best for me.] Mastery – Can I become better at something that’s important? Aerospace workers constantly demonstrate their commitment to master something important. WordPress is probably the most popular website platform today and is built by people who get paid little or nothing. It’s not about just the money. Purpose – Does what I am doing matter? I give an example of the custodian at our church – he has purpose in what he does and shows it daily. Do you as leader talk about why what you are doing each day matters? Why do you do it? What’s the reason you or your organization do what you do? If you don’t, you should! Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic. To accelerate your learning, uncover more inside Coaching for Leaders Plus.