Page 147 - Build a Culture of Employee Engagement with the Principles

118 Carrots and Sticks Don’t Work

your employees need more regular supportive feedback
to really grow and develop. For individuals to realize their
potential, they must be coached and mentored on a daily
basis. Upping your game will significantly improve the per-
formance and engagement of your team members.
11-15: Congratulations, you are an active and effective coach. You
continuously seek to improve the skills of your team mem-
bers and, in the process, demonstrate your respect for them
and the value that they bring to the team. If you have not
already begun doing so, start emphasizing the importance
of both self-assessment and team-based feedback. Consider
coaching other leaders in your organization who may be
struggling in this area.

Benefits of Supportive Feedback

Providing ongoing supportive feedback lets employees know
that you care about their performance and success. Imagine
watching a high school athletic practice. Which kids get the
most attention and feedback from the coach—the best players
or the worst? Naturally, the best players get the most coaching
because they are considered the most valuable part of the team.
Being coached indicates respect for the team member and his
or her skills. In contrast, players not seen as having much value
or promise are given the least attention. The message to such
team members is, “You don’t really matter much” and “There
isn’t much hope for you.” Naturally, such individuals feel disre-
spected, disenfranchised, and disengaged. Thus, by providing
ongoing supportive feedback you demonstrate respect to team
players and increase their level of engagement.