During his general session presentation, Next Level Leadership, Ryan Estis discussed the importance of employee engagement. If people enjoy and believe in what they do and feel valued for doing it, they are more productive and less likely to seek other employment. Unfortunately, most companies are failing to develop engaged employees.
Estis shared these statistics:
- 70 percent of the U.S. workforce is underengaged.
- Only 20 percent of employees are well-suited for their roles.
- 56 percent of workers are seeking new jobs.
- Only 39 percent of employees trust senior leaders.
To lead effectively, managers need to be better than good; they need to be “rock star good,” according to Estis.
Rock star leaders recognize the difference between what a company does and how the company does it. What a company does is becoming a commodity. It’s difficult to differentiate. How a company operates can be unique and can help set the company apart from the crowd.
“Leadership good enough to get us to this moment isn’t good enough for the future,” Estis said.
He also stressed the importance of recognizing and appreciating employees, earning influence and managing accountability. Asking effective open-ended questions and listening are important strategies of influencers.
“Leadership isn’t about you,” Estis said. “It’s about putting others in a position to be successful.”