I’ve heard it said, “A problem named is a problem solved.” Much of the American workforce is disengaged and little progress is being made.

Let’s keep this simple. Only 29% of employees report to be engaged at work. This research was conducted before our most recent economic crisis in which corporations have been crippled with fear and operating in survival mode.

Still not convinced about the enormity of this problem? Google “employee engagement”—you’ll receive several hundred thousand hits.

Creativity, innovation, customer service, commitment, loyalty, productivity and profitability, not to mention the souls, hearts, and minds of the American employee.

The average American worker today is disengaged and disenfranchised. I see it in their eyes and hear it in their words. I shudder when asking someone, “Tell me about your work” and they dejectedly respond, “Twelve more years.”

What? Do employees actually long for their life after work as if being incarcerated by the company they represent?

I am. You are.

Engaging leaders always begin by taking 100% responsibility. They don’t blame their followers or their circumstances. Because they are courageous, they can honestly look at themselves and ask, “What is my role in this storm?” and then begin to seek solutions.

Act with urgency. Apply timeless, fundamental principles that create engaging work cultures. Be courageous.

The workplace needs to be re-energized. We need a corporate revival to take place in order to reengage our “troops.” We cannot wait, hoping for more resources. We must act now!

Come along, this is a cause worth fighting for. Resist the status quo. Here at EXTRAordinary! Inc. you’ll find information, resources and the necessary support to begin the journey of creating a loyal, committed, and engaged workforce. Take action now by contacting us for an initial conversation and begin to reap the benefits of an engaged work culture in your organization.

The Great Wizard of Oz has been exposed and the days of leading from behind the safety of a “curtain” is over.

Being an authentic leader is risky. It is rare. It takes courage. It means being real, flawed, and human. It involves removing all masks and coming face-to-face with your own personal weaknesses and strengths.

Before you can effectively lead and be known by others you must lead and be known by yourself. As an authentic leader you can expect to gain commitment, loyalty, and a peaceful night’s sleep. Priceless.

You have a choice, become an authentic leader who engages your people—or lose them. What will it be?

People want to know who you are! They desire a relationship. In order to be a compelling leader, you must be willing to lead and live up close.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, corporate leader, parent, or friend, people want to know you. People want you to let them in, to share who you really are. They want to know what motivates you, what you value, what you believe in, and what you fear.

Engaging leaders don’t attempt to separate their personal selves from their business selves. They bring their whole self wherever they go.

The “open door policy” won’t suffice any longer. Engaging leaders go through their open door and walk into the world and lives of their followers.

Become a student of those you lead. Study them. Pay attention to them. Listen to them. Learn from them. Become aware of who they are and what they like. Do you know what’s really important in their lives? Do you know what they love to do in their spare time? Do you know of an important accomplishment in their life of which they are particularly proud?

Find out. Get out of your office and into their physical, emotional, and spiritual world.

Laurie Beth Jones, author of Jesus, CEO writes, “The world will make way for someone who knows what he or she wants, because there is not much competition when it comes to passionate commitment.”

Engaging leaders are passionate and committed in three essential areas: a) discovering and pursuing their dreams, b) focusing on their own personal development, and c) knowing and growing the people around them.

This is an uncommon and extraordinary way to lead. In what areas of your life do you display passionate commitment?

Those who follow you need to be heard, want to contribute, and hope to be understood. The most effective way for you to meet those requirements is to ask and listen.

It is imperative that you have the courage to engage those you lead with thoughtful and skillful questions—then listen intently. Your people have something to say—they have answers and solutions.

Highly effective leaders have “let go” of the answers and replaced them with questions—as a result they gain understanding. You might be able to manage people you don’t really know, but you can’t effectively lead someone you don’t understand.

Rule number one of effective communication—less is more. What you don’t say is often just as important as what you do say.

Use your words to encourage and build up others. Resist the temptation to “shoot from the hip” and leave others wounded. Be sure people experience interactions with you that leave them feeling courageous and confident.

Each day, predetermine to look for and find the good in others—then tell them what you’ve observed. When the time comes to have a “tough” coaching conversation with those you lead, they’ll be more receptive to what you have to say.

Feedback is good. It is not all useful. Ultimately, to be highly successful, you must learn how to effectively give and receive feedback.

If you listen to those you trust, feedback will act as a guide on your journey. If you give it, make sure you do so with truth and love. Otherwise, it will not provide the results you expect or desire.

Feedback—crave it, give it, and receive it. It will make you a better and more complete leader.

A positive, enthusiastic attitude is contagious.

Unfortunately, so is misery and negativity. It takes no special skill or abilities to be negative. It does take determination, energy, and intention to be positive.

When did we start accepting that the workplace had to be so serious and void of fun, meaning, and inspiration? What will you do to change this? Take time to stop and celebrate the good things that are happening.

Smile when you walk through your place of work and greet others by name. They’ll smile back and wonder what you’ve been up to.

The American workplace is over informed and under inspired. As a leader, what are you doing to inject a healthy dose of inspiration into your culture?

It won’t happen through a Power Point presentation, a display of graphs, a review of your most recent P&L, or a plaque on the wall containing meaningless words under the heading “Mission Statement.”

It will happen if you articulate a compelling vision for your team. You will inspire them with your dream. When you passionately speak your vision and dreams, while helping others see how they play a vital role in its fulfillment, you will create a loyal and inspired following.

Remember, Martin Luther King didn’t inspire a crowd of millions by declaring, “I have a strategic plan…” No, he had a dream that ignited the passion, excitement, and commitment of others causing them to follow his lead.

What is your vision? What is your dream? What will you do today to inspire other to follow?