The term 'entrepreneurial ethic' comes from what
inspires the entrepreneurial spirit--the consistent connection between those providing products/services and the beneficiaries (customers). These activities drive the
entrepreneur and that same drive they hope to instill in everyone around
them.
One myth that group leaders need to bust is that new group members are a blank sheet of paper and must be trained in engagement just as they are in their new task's skills. Actually everyone brings a level of engagement with them from their past experiences in groups. Certainly their engagement will not be static and will move to some degree with the experiences of their new group. The good news for the group leader is once they are engaged they will tend to remain engaged by the enjoyment, accomplishment, enthusiasm, and synergy they experience.
The continuum explains engagement well for group leaders because it is simple, quick, and practical. The numbers or percentages, even though they seem to be consistent in a large number of studies, are not important except to know that everyone is on the continuum and capable of moving. The fact that the numbers are similar over many years, industries, and locations tells us that engagement is self-centric and a result of conditioning from educational and workplace learning systems.
A group leader already knows instinctively where everyone is within one of three categories:
- Engaged to Full Engagement - "they get it", "seem to do what's needed before they are even asked", "work with everyone and self-motivated". Not only are they involved at a high level with skills/tools matching their challenges/tasks but because they focus on key activities which themselves provide daily feedback so as to create a sense of purpose, meaning, and accomplishment. This continuously brings their hearts and minds into their efforts as they think better and have a passion for what they do.
- Not engaged (neutral position) - "try hard but take a lot of a group leaders attention". Does not mean they are not involved, in fact they probably are and contribute to the group effort following instructions and even rating high on reviews. Most still follow the conditioning of education and workplace experience to do as they are told and often waiting until they are told. In this group, efforts do not continuously reflect one's heart and mind.
- Actively disengaged - "they just do not get it", "are the least dependable to be able to count on them". Most often this group would be the source of customer concerns or complaints for an enterprise. However, for the majority it is not intentional they simply have not developed behaviors of attention, reflection, appreciation, connection, or intention. They may also lack basic involvement due to a lack of tools/skills to meet the challenges/tasks being asked of them. Some people in this group can make the journey to full engagement with the proper attitude.
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