Back in the early 1980’s, when Metro Detroit was in yet another automotive recession, the economy was challenging the Big Three and the car industry as a whole. The beginning of true employee engagement spread through the every company.
When bureaucracy was born, first in agriculture, then most recently within the industrial revolution, the thoughts and ideas of the workers had typically been discounted by bosses and management. Contributions by employees were rare indeed. Yet the senior management of Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler did something unique with this recession. They decided to listen to the rank and file and the salaried workforces and look to them for change.
Although the Dale Carnegie Training of the era espoused open communication and positive leadership, it now was the case for the entire domestic automotive industry, with employees at every level asked to contribute ideas and suggestions that would make the companies better. Process improvement and corporate success slowly reemerged. Individuals at every level were allowed to lead groups to facilitate contributions.
Employee engagement since that time in automotive history can be considered true relationship equality. Those employees helping create opportunity enjoy the sharing of success as well. The process of involvement creates and enables opportunity. Steering people in positive directions is always a major aspect of organizational success.
Engagement is the major driver of both change and opportunity. Here in 2014, the Motor City grows daily with businesses that continue to utilize every individual talent. They do it through focus and they do it through the culture and guiding principles. Leadership leads by example.
Good companies believe in relationships and the power of teamwork. The optimistic manager always sees the best in people.
Getting the most from the workforce is the simple act of involving everyone. There is no wrong idea. No suggestion is ever ignored. Engagement means success. Take the minute, as both leaders and managers, to engage employees every single day. Meet with them and support them. Our businesses here in Southeast Michigan depend on it. Empowerment puts everything back on target.
As Tony Robbins so aptly stated at the time; “In life, you need either inspiration or desperation.”
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This post is brought to you by the good folks at Dale Carnegie Training of Michigan, providers of professional development and management development courses and information in Michigan. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @MICarnegie.
Photo: jzcreationsz, freedigitalphotos.net
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