It is the difference between success and failure. The force that impacts whether you win or lose. And often, it’s the deciding factor between moving forward and starting over.
It is all about engagement.
Regardless of the type of organization you examine—whether for-profit, nonprofit, or faith-based—the common denominator they all share is the need to engage people.
But here is the problem: the numbers tell a concerning story.
The Disconnect in the Data
While nonprofit and faith-based organizations have a higher engagement rate of 69%, the US workforce as a whole has only about 31% engagement. The fact remains that a significant portion of the people involved in our organizations are not fully committed. Why? They do not feel a connection to the organization’s purpose or mission.
Engagement happens when people are bought into the vision. They see themselves in the plan and are therefore energized to take the journey. When this happens, they give their all: their time, their talents, and their treasure.
The Leadership Pitfall
All too often, however, autocratic leadership maps out a plan that does not involve the input or the voice of the people, which in turn leads to resentment and low morale.
Instead of appealing to people’s hearts, the aim is to bring about change through policies, procedures, and ill-conceived vision plans. When this happens, not only does the plan commonly fail, but it can also lead to disengagement. Disengagement occurs when people actively work against the organization’s goals.
The Relational Solution
Bottom line: always remember that human beings are relational.
The more time you spend listening to your people and embracing their input, the greater your chances of increasing overall engagement.
And when this happens, the benefits ripple outward: productivity increases, retention improves, and higher morale leads to a brighter future for everyone involved. Investing in the hearts and voices of your people is not just a nice idea—it is the most strategic move you can make.
How are you actively listening to and incorporating your team’s voices today? Share your thoughts in the comments!