Page 20 - Build a Culture of Employee Engagement with the Principles

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Introduction

The Story That Started It All

here are times in our lives when what may appear
to have been a terrible decision turns out to be a
Tgreat learning experience and “blessing in dis-
guise.” Early in my career I spent three months as director of
research at a small consulting firm. Although I didn’t realize it
at the time, this brief experience would profoundly shape my
understanding of employee motivation and engagement and
provide the insight that led me to create the RESPECT Model.
I share some of that experience with you now in the hope that
it will highlight for you the critical role respect plays in keeping
employees engaged.

The Last Guy Sat There

As anyone might be, I was excited and also a bit nervous for my
first day of work. I arrived forty-five minutes early and found
the door locked. I waited forty-five minutes before being let
in by Sherry, the company’s receptionist. She asked if I had a
meeting with someone. I had apparently not made much of an