Last week, we published a list of the Top 10 things every team member can do to help improve engagement in the workplace, (taken from suggestions from our team themselves). The onus is on each of us to participate in creating a better work environment.

However, leaders cannot just rely on their team to get themselves engaged. It is their responsibility to lead the way through example. So, to follow up, we have put together a list of Top 10 suggestions from our team of what leaders (owners and managers) can do to encourage engagement.

1. Connect: Make time to provide feedback to team members so they know how they are doing. Follow through with regularly scheduled reviews; but also touch base directly when there are changes, concerns, or issues.

2. Interact: Take time, even a few minutes, to greet everyone around you, every day. Acknowledge your team members and ask them how they are doing. Get to know them as individuals. Participate in team activities.

3. Encourage: Provide encouraging words to keep morale up. Write a little note. Share a positive or motivational saying. Spread the word when you receive a compliment about your team. Smile!

4. Appreciate: Show appreciation for the work your team does. Say thank you. Bring in a little treat (a donut can brighten any day). Or leave a note on someone’s desk.

5. Communicate: When you learn new information that affects how a job is done, share it with your team. By keeping your team regularly updated, you are equipping them to do their job better.

6. Be Present: Not meaning always physically in the office. But be approachable, available, and mindful of your team. Keep your door open. When a team member comes to talk to you, take the time to really listen.

7. Support: Ask your team members directly for suggestions on what you can personally do to help support their work. Find out where their stress points are and try to find ways to help them cope.

8. Learn: Leaders are not born, they are made; through hard work and CANEI (constant and never-ending improvement). Identify areas where you need to improve your leadership skills and then take the initiative. Engage in training, reading, listening; invest in self-development.

9. Exemplify: Be an example, acting in accordance with your core values. Have integrity, be respectful, loyal, reliable, charitable, and accountable.

10. Be Clear: Clearly and concisely set expectations both on an individual and a team level. If you want something done a certain way, explain why. Share organizational goals so all team members are working in one common direction, as a unified body.

Do you have others to add to the list? Send us your suggestions!