Episode Summary:
In this week’s episode of “Mondays with Mike,” host Mike Staver addresses a leader’s concern about how to increase team engagement without overwhelming an already stretched-thin workforce. Mike distinguishes between overloading employees with more tasks and fostering engagement, explaining that engagement stems from a deep connection to the organization’s vision and purpose, not from simply doing more work. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the bigger picture, helping team members see the value and purpose behind their tasks.
Mike advises leaders to conduct an inventory of the tasks assigned, ensuring they align with the organization’s mission and eliminating unnecessary work. He advocates for doing less but doing it better, explaining that clarity of purpose and connection to the company’s vision are the real drivers of engagement. By fostering these connections, leaders can help their teams feel more involved and motivated without adding to their workload.
Key Takeaways:
- Engagement is driven by connection to purpose, not by the amount of work assigned.
- Leaders should focus on aligning tasks with the organization’s mission to avoid overwhelming their teams.
- Conducting regular task inventories can help eliminate unnecessary work and improve focus.
- Doing fewer tasks but doing them better can lead to greater momentum and engagement.
- Conversations that highlight the connection between tasks and the company’s purpose foster engagement and commitment.
Notable Quotes:
- “Engagement doesn’t come from less work or more work. Engagement comes from a connection to something bigger than themselves.”
- “The challenge isn’t that your people aren’t getting enough done; it’s that they’ve lost sight of the connection between what they’re doing and the outcomes.”
- “Do less better—if you can get more momentum, that builds more engagement.”
- “Keep them focused on the vision and what we’re trying to accomplish.”
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