Ellen Castro is a motivational speaker and a leadership and executive consultant.

January 2011 “It’s All about TRUST”

An on-line newsletter by Ellen Castro

According to a 2007 Towers Perrin survey of 90k employees worldwide, only 21% of employees felt fully engaged and 40% were disenchanted/dis-engaged. Low levels of engagement accounted for 33% annual decline in operating income and 11% in earnings growth.

No wonder employee engagement is a hot business topic today. I recently read an email that says to get more productivity and engagement, giving breaks during the day was key. If only it was that simple.

Wake-up! There is no quick fix for engaging others. Every action you take matters. There are NO neutral actions. You are either inspiring and engaging others or creating apathy and fear.

Basics for motivating, inspiring and engaging others include:

Have a compelling vision… a big enough why. Three favorites I facilitated that created a dramatic shift in energy, excitement and focus includes:

“Loved by our customers. Feared by our competitors.” Hi tech industry
“Making Memorable Experiences TOGETHER.” Entertainment industry
“BE the Right Choice.” Healthcare provider

Leadership action:

Smile when you talk about the future. Be pumped!
Create a compelling message that inspires, emotionally uplifts and provides focus - goes beyond profits.
Re-visit the values. Do they need updating to achieve the vision? Hint: Teamwork is a must.
Cultivate a success mentality. “We can do this!”
Have meetings and team buildings around the vision and values to gain buy-in and brainstorm implementing on a daily basis. Tweak as needed.

Tell each and every person they matter in achieving the vision. They count.

Leadership actions:

Speak blessings over them – constructive, positive communications – that instill a change or affirm needed behaviors versus crushing the spirit.
Tell them how they fit. Make the connection to the vision personal.
Greet people with a smile and know their name. “I see you.” Avatar
Treat them as though they are the best talent or have the potential to be the best talent which boosts creativity, commitment and confidence to achieve greatness.
Say “please” and “thank you.” Common courtesy counts.
DON’T lie, cheat, steal/take credit, be a bully, have the last word always and be totally self-absorbed. Depletes energy and passion.

Realize that someone is ALWAYS watching... always.

Be a shining example to all. Be credible, genuine and uplifting.

Leadership actions:

Be conscious. Everything communicates. You are always on stage.
Share your passion for the future. Smile more. Exude excitement and energy!
Eradicate “but” from your vocabulary.
Ask yourself after each communication, “Was that inspiring? Did I build commitment?”

Sounds like a lot of work? Trust me, it is worth it!

If your organization is in turmoil, the future uncertain, the above actions are required and critical to turn the trend.

Remember, the people are where you lead them. Gulp.

YOU have the power. Everything you do either engages the heart or destroys the spirit… gives hope or creates fear. The choice is yours!

For Reflection

The 3 most pragmatic actions I can take now to inspire others and myself are:

1.
2.
3.

Hire Ellen to re-engage and re-energize your staff… you! She can facilitate creating a compelling vision that engages both the hearts and minds of your followers.

Ellen’s People Smarts blog provides inspiration and tips to be your best! Go to http://trustellen.blogspot.com/.

Free Engagement Resource. Visit www.ellencastro.com to download Ellen’s Success and Thriving Model. She can be reached at 214-750-7718 or ellen@ellencastro.com.

Ellen Castro is a global trusted advisor for Fortune 500 companies and a people smarts coach to thousands for achieving greatness. Ellen holds an MEd from Harvard University and an MBA from SMU where she currently serves as an instructor for the Business Leadership Center. Her first book, Spirited Leadership … 52 Ways to Build Trust on the Job is used by leaders around the world to promote trust, engagement and success.

© 2011. All rights reserved worldwide. If this was forwarded to you and you want your own copy each month, please email ellen@ellencastro.com with “Trust Subscribe” in the subject line. Your name will never be sold or shared. If you prefer to unsubscribe, or received this in error, reply with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.

Smile when you talk about the future J !!!