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From NetSpeed Leader Volume 32, April 2007
The Gallup Organization surveyed 200,000 individuals in 36 organizations, across 21 industries about their level of engagement. Only 29% of employees reported that they were engaged or highly engaged at work. An astounding 55% reported that they were not engaged (think of their attitude as “wait-and-see”) and an even more revealing 16% reported that they were actively disengaged (think of behavior such as complaining, arguing and actively sabotaging the organization’s efforts).
The same research reveals that employees often join organizations feeling highly engaged. After more than a year on the job, however, the employee often feels less engaged. In fact the longer they hold the job, the less engaged they tend to be. So what’s happening here?
Through 12 key questions, the Gallup Organization has found links to five business outcomes: retention, productivity, profitability, customer loyalty, and safety. Retention was strongly correlated to six items. Simply put, if you want to hang on to your employees these six factors must be in place. Employees must:
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Know what is expected of them
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Have the equipment and resources to do the job
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Be given the opportunity to do what they do best, every day
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Have a manager or supervisor who cares about them
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Be surrounded by employees who have a similar drive for quality
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Have opportunities to learn and grow
A clearer case for helping managers and supervisors in your organization learn to delegate effectively could not be made. Managers who get the best from their employees are able to retain them longer. They know how to:
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Clarify expectations for tasks and assignments
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Provide the equipment and resources necessary to do the work
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Hire well and match employees to the appropriate responsibilities
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Demonstrate that they care about each employee on their team
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Bring on board only employees who demonstrate a commitment to high-quality performance
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Consistently offer opportunities for further growth and development
The ability to delegate well is a crucial management skill that touches every one of these essential factors.
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