Tip #595: Three Reasons to Make Employee Engagement a Top Priority

While U.S. employee engagement reached its highest level in March at 34.1%, engagement levels have not exceeded 33% since 2012.  Employee engagement is defined as the level at which employees are emotionally invested in, and focused on, creating value for their organizations every day.  While there is an increased focus on the necessity and impacts of employee engagement, few organizations have taken action to ultimately grow engagement levels.    

Here are three reasons why organizations must make employee engagement a top priority.

1. Managers matter most.  In Gallup's latest report, State of the American Manager, which is based on over four decades of extensive talent research, the crucial links between talent, engagement and key performance indicators (KPI's) are examined to reveal the characteristics of great managers.  The research reveals that managers account for as much as 70% of variance in employee engagement scores.  This means that most managers are failing to create an environment in which employees feel comfortable and are motivated to perform at peak levels.

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Tip #594: Cope with Conflict in Five Healthy Steps

Do you ever struggle to control your negative emotions when encountering conflict with a co-worker, friend or even your boss?  Often times, people lash out or engage in an unproductive round of sparring which proves fruitless and may even destroy the relationship.  Effectively managing conflict requires emotional intelligence and the following steps to maintain an open, versus oppressive, dialogue.

Commence breathing deeply.  When a conflict arises, whether it's a disagreement about opinions, values or preferences, our bodies have both physiological and psychological responses.  Think about the last time someone said something that infuriated you.  Most likely, you could feel your blood pressure increase and your palms became sweaty. This is because the two amygdalae you have on either side of your brain perceived a threat and properly responded by releasing adrenaline and cortisol into your system.  To counteract these physiological effects, begin taking smooth, rhythmic and deep breaths which will stop the release of these stress hormones.

Hone in on your body language.  As you breathe, bring awareness to your non-verbal communication.  Relax your shoulders and open your hands instead of, for example, folding your arms or pressing on your temples since these actions communicate defensiveness and aggravation.  

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Tip #593: Five Earth Day Activities to Engage Employees

An estimated 500 million people will participate in various Earth Day activities worldwide, so why not use it as an opportunity to strengthen camaraderie and tap into teamwork?  Several employee studies conclude that morale and employer confidence increase when businesses implement productive green initiatives.  Additionally, in many recent surveys, consumers have stated that they are more likely to do business with an eco-conscious company.

Here are five ways to engage employees on Earth Day, which is on April 22nd.

Game on!  Dale Carnegie's 21st Human Relations principle is, 'Throw down a challenge.'  There are many ways to turn Earth Day into a co-worker competition.  For example, three companies in Texas broke the world record for collecting and shredding 11,920 pounds of paper in a 24-hour period.  Be creative in terms of team assemblies-match department against department or the Executive Team against individual department teams.  Consider launching a departmental old technology drive where employees can bring in broken or old computers, cell phones, printers and other devices.  The team with the most units wins. Contact your local school board to see if the functioning equipment is needed or a computer recycling firm to retrieve everything.  You could also join worldwide movements such as Billion Acts of Green, or Earth Hour. 

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Tip #591: New Year Resolution Check-In-4 Psychologist's Secrets to Success

Are you among half of the Americans which research suggests set New Year's resolutions each year?  If so, with the first quarter behind us, it's time to measure success.  Consider how you've fared thus far and if you are disappointed in your performance, you're not alone-only 8% of Americans actually achieve their resolutions.

Don't be discouraged.  Dale Carnegie said, "Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success."  To get back on track, here are four psychologist's secrets to making your resolutions stick.

Review your goals.  One of the reasons you may struggle with your resolutions is because you did not use the 'SMART' method of goal-setting when you devised them.  Dr. Paul Marciano is the author of Carrots and Sticks Don't Work and cautions that the first step to behavior change is to clearly understand what "it" is and set 'SMART' goals.  Make sure your goals are: 

Specific - Articulate your goal in a clear statement that states exactly what needs to be done.

Measurable - Tracking progress helps to maintain momentum and focus, especially for big goals that may be comprised of a series of smaller tasks or steps. 

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