5 Keys to Engagement

I am frequently asked "what are a few things I can do to ensure that I am doing my part in the the engagement process?"  I respond with these "5 Simple Keys to Engagement Success."

5 Keys to Engagement:

1. Make eye contact.  Eye contact is an art form. For many, it is awkward and uncomfortable. To reduce the fear associated with eye contact, practice it.  Practicing creates an opportunity to work through the awkwardness.
2. Be appropriately physical.  Formal greetings, handshakes, high-fives, etc. allow for the opportunity to create physical communication. Appropriate human-to-human contact communicates a value of importance to all "humans" involved in an engagement transaction.
3. Be present.  Focus undivided attention to the human directly in front of you.  If multiple humans are present, share the attention.
4. Be the active listener.  Truly listen. Other humans know when attention is cursory and inauthentic.
5. Respond appropriately.  While responding, make eye contact.  Keep language appropriate to the entire audience that is present.  Use proper words.

When the "5 Keys to Engagement" are turning, the locks are opening:

1. Making eye contact creates a sense of safety and authenticity.  This is valuable to the engagement transaction.
2. Appropriate physical communication reduces fear and tension while creating comfort.  This is often be achieved with a formal greeting, handshake, high-five etc.  This human-to-human contact is calming and communicates respect.
3. Being present creates a human desire to engage.  This communicates a sense of respect.
4. Listening provides an opportunity to effectively contribute to the conversation.  Active listening takes work.  Instead of preparing the next response, create questions to ask such as: What was that like?  Did you enjoy that? etc.
5. Responding appropriately, in all circumstances. creates feelings of safety and security.  This communicates that value is being placed on the engagement transaction and those involved.

When the "5 Keys to Engagement" are not turning:

1. Lack of eye contact creates doubt and mistrust.  This, in most humans, causes a "gut" reaction to create space  or push away.  This is especially true in difficult or demanding situations.
2. Inappropriate physical communication causes fear and feelings of confusion and uneasiness.  This creates distance.  It may also cause shame and anger.
3. Being absent communicates the other party does not matter.  This is disrespectful to others and both communicates and demonstrates a disregard of value.
4. Not listening - like being absent - communicates that the other party does not matter.  This is disrespectful to others and demonstrates a disregard of value.
5. Inappropriate responses cause doubt in the ability to deal with the engagement transaction.  This reduces the confidence level of all involved in the exchange.

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Failing to understand relationship and its overall impact on engagement may slow both personal and organizational growth.

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As always – if you would like to learn more about this topic or book me to speak with your organization - operators are standing by!