Let's Talk About the Numbers that Matter.

At the Studio, we know that two kinds of engagement are important to you in your organizations: employee engagement and leader engagement.

In the past twenty years, there has been quite a bit of research about the impact of employee engagement. Consulting firms and coaches work with teams and organizations to help them assess what’s working and what’s not working. Research shows that employee engagement has a financial impact and a growth impact, as well as a quality impact and a brand impact. This is not new news.

But what you might not know are the latest statistics: an engaged employee—one who is involved, enthusiastic and committed—out performs their co-workers by 400%! That sounds great for our productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness.

What else do we know? The Gallup organization, long considered an expert in measuring employee engagement, cites that 16% of employees are activity disengaged. This means they’re not just bored or apathetic, they are doing other things and may be activity sabotaging efforts to success. 51% are just not engaged, which means they do just the minimum, do not come up with creative or innovative solutions or ideas, and see their work as a JOB. Almost 70% of your employees are not involved, enthusiastic and committed!

 Maybe that’s not your organization or team. Maybe, unlike many other workers, 51% of your employees are not actively searching for new jobs or new openings. Employee turnover is the highest its been in ten years. The good news is that the job market is better, with new jobs increasing each year, so people have more choices about where they work.

What does turnover cost you? For a skilled hourly worker, 75% of their annual pay. For a highly technical or supervisory role, up to 150% of their annual pay. Turnover is like a leaky hole in the boat of your organization: you don’t notice it, but it’s causing you to sink.

 One thing we don’t hear much about, however, is leader engagement. Leaders are struggling to manage outrageous workloads, shifting priorities, exhaustion, chronic change, pressure from outside sources they cannot control nor often influence. This has grown into business as usual for many leaders, so how are they supposed to be inspiring and visionary? Even if you’re one of the leader elite who rises each day with enthusiasm and vitality, and you manage your time and your relationships with consistent practice, you still are likely wondering how you might be able to keep yourself engaged so you can inspire others to be their best, and not just stay in your organization?

 The work of The Studio is the antidote to business as usual. We know that a fully engaged, fully creative leader recognizes the signs of waning connection. We know that when you know your own creative edges and your own artistry in leading your business, you can nurture that in others. We know that there are many forces to pull you away from the best notion of what you and your business might be. Resist the pull! Invest in yourself and your team. Be informed, and be ready to move boldly toward that distant horizon.

Special note: The insights above were adapted from a keynote presentation delivered last week by Studio co-Founder Libby Wagner to the Healthcare Financial Managers Association.

Ready for the encore.

So what has poetry, music, and art got to do with leadership and engagement? In this very unique interview with the magnetic Chris Cooper on his highly respected Business Elevation Show, there's even a live musical performance by Owen. On this special encore show Chris talks with Studio founders Libby, Owen and Steve. Tune in here.

Huge thanks to Chris Cooper for being such a wholehearted leader!

— Onward forward to deeper engagement,

Libby, Owen & Steve at the Studio