PRLA Summer 2019

1. Create Opportunity... our teacher created the class, invited us to attend, and committed to giving us this opportunity each and every week. As leaders, you need to do that in the workplace too. Find and create opportunities for your teams to work on projects together, serve on task forces, or even just gather for a social event. In order to create community, you have to provide the opportunity and the place to let it happen. 2. Give Them Say... our teacher may be in charge of the class, but all along she is giving us opportunity to have a say in what we are doing. We choose some of the songs, we choose part of the workout, we choose whether we climb a hill or do a tabata. In order to build community, you need to give your employees that room too. It is from the ideas, the brainstorming, that the connections happen and the relationships build. 3. Give ‘Em Room... we take over the spin class quite a bit. We cut up, laugh, and shout things out. While the teacher is running the show, she clearly gives us room to feel that this is “our” class not hers. To create community, you need to give your employees the space and room to feel like they own it, and have a sense that they are in charge. 4. Thank Them... last but not least, despite the fact that our teachers schedules it, plans the workout, and shows up to ensure we actually exercise, she ends each and every class by thanking us for being there. That very simple gesture makes us commit not only to the class and one another, but to her. You need to tell your employees how much you appreciate their time, and their commitment, and with that small act you will ensure they create community with each other as well as with you. So How Do You Create Community? need to give your employees the space and room to feel like they own it, and have a sense that they are in charge. 4. Thank Them—last but not least, despite the fact that our teachers schedules it, plans the workout, and shows up to ensure we actually exercise, she ends each and every class by thanking us for being there. That very simple gesture makes us commit not only to the class and one another, but to her. You need to tell your employees how much you appreciate their time, and their commitment, and with that small act you will ensure they create community with each other as well as with you. So there you have it, four easy steps that lead to the simplest of employee engagement ideas. As leaders, we need to understand that engaging employees is not about working hard or investing more time and energy on a fancy new incentive program. Instead, it is about giving them the opportunity to bond with another, as well as build relationships and connections. Building community is a key step in doing what it takes to fully engage today’s workforce. • Meridith Elliott Powell is a keynotes speaker and award-winning author. She helps her clients learn the business growth strategies needed to succeed no matter what this economy does. For more information, free ideas and strategies, visit her website www.valuespeaker.com or call directly 828-243-3510, or connect on LinkedIn! Learn more about Meridith on page 14. Summer 2019 • PENNSYLVANIA RESTAURANT & LODGING matters •  13