Engaging Employees - 22 July 2008

Dian Fossey moved to Africa to save the gorillas from extinction. A photo of a gorilla touching her hand was the first ever peaceful contact between a wild gorilla and a human. Her work resulted in a reversal of the downward spiral of the gorilla population. She didn't just talk about saving the gorillas; she did a little bit more... Muhammed Yunus pioneered microcredit, which involves giving small loans to people in third-world countries who are too poor to qualify for bank loans. His initiative has helped 8 million of the world's poorest people to start and grow their own businesses. He didn't just talk about saving the world's poor; he did a little bit more...

Al Gore alerted the world to the effects of climate change. His bestselling book, Academy Award-winning documentary, and his training of thousands of climate change champions internationally increased public awareness and led to massive political and policy changes. He didn't just talk about saving the environment; he did a little bit more...

The difference between an average leader and an engaging one is precisely what Dian Fossey, Muhammed Yunus, and Al Gore have mastered: the concept of a little bit more.

• Engaging leaders don't just give feedback. They mentor.
• Engaging leaders don't just have conversations. They build relationships.
• Engaging leaders don't just recognise employees. They cherish them.
• Engaging leaders don't just offer jobs. They provide experiences.
• Engaging leaders don't just listen. They consult.

Every day when you go to work you have a choice. You can either choose a pathy of mediocrity by doing the bare minimum, or you can become a true leader that engages, inspires, and excites your team by doing just... a little bit more.

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