For many senior leaders the question of why their frontline workers seem so disengaged remains a mystery. A recent Gallup poll in the US notes that only three out of ten workers actually feel engaged in their work. My guess is that it would be similar for Australia and New Zealand.
In a very brief article, McKinsey & Company offer some suggestions as to why this might be the case. The full article (Read it Here) refers to some research undertaken by McKinsey in 2013 that notes senior leaders are under two very big illusions about how effective they really are. These are:
- Senior leaders typically overestimate their effectiveness as motivators and leaders;
- While typically 86% of senior leaders believe they are modelling the changes they want employees to make, only 53% of employees think managers are.
In both of these areas senior leadership is oblivious as to the gaps between what they perceive as reality, and what reality actually is. The cold hard truth? If you are a senior leader, then the chances are this applies to you.
Maybe it’s time to stop living under the illusion of ‘greatness’ and instead roll your sleeves up and start trying to reconnect with your employees in meaningful ways that reengage them with the organisation. Motivated and engaged employees translates into effective and productive employees.
The Avondale Business School can help you and your team develop leadership skills – find out how by contacting Warrick Long at the Avondale Business School.
P: 02 4980 2168