There are several ways to foster engagement in yourself and as a part of your organization. Here are the Four Rules of Engagement and how they might affect your behavior.

Four Rules of Engagement:

1. Lead by Example – Act with integrity, accountability, and professionalism. Engage in the work, and your team will follow. Be personally inclusive when addressing issues of human behavior.
2. Communicate Clearly and Consistently – Provide regular updates and information relevant to their tasks and responsibilities. Be approachable and open to feedback and questions. Refrain from absolutes because they are rarely accurate.
3. Empower and Develop Others – Acknowledge and endorse others for their point of view, opinions, and understanding. Provide opportunities for learning and skill-building, offer constructive feedback and guidance, and delegate tasks and responsibilities that allow individuals to take ownership and showcase their abilities.
4. Build Relationships and Foster Collaboration – Show genuine interest in well-being and personal growth. Leave room for possibility when framing an alternative perspective. Create an environment where individuals feel supported, valued, and motivated to contribute their best.

Let me illustrate how I experienced engagement first-hand while attending an event:

I once attended a fireside chat for women of color focused on Empowering Authentic Corporate Women. Four panelists spoke on various themes, including breaking the glass ceiling, my mantra for women in leadership, embracing one’s authentic self, and overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt. As these women shared their personal experiences in a world where navigating the complexities of corporate culture is crucial – yet another beacon of light I shine in my work as an executive coach – the host invited questions from the audience.

I raised my hand, and the host brought the mic to me so that all attendees could hear my question. I began by introducing myself and sharing that I support corporate women in navigating company politics so that they can break the glass ceiling and gain a seat at the decision-making table. Immediately all eyes turned to me as I asked how these women overcome the indoctrination of us all that teaches us what to say, what to think, what to believe, and how to respond, which begins as we leave the womb and continues throughout our lives.

There was a flurry of activity as each panelist grabbed the mic and shared their thoughts. I was so inspired by what these women spoke of that I developed a framework and pathway to help executive leaders deal with indoctrination and overcome its crippling effect on women wanting to move up the leadership ladder.

As the discussion ended, several women surrounded me, asking for my contact information.

Here is an example of what engagement can foster.

• Connecting with the audience and the panelist by tapping into the team spirit of the event – I’m there to support you on these very topics.
• Strengthening the bond between what I do and what they want more of – coaching this audience on these issues.
• Empowering the panelist to share their opinion and the audience by sharing myself – thus offering insight on how to free themselves of the chains of indoctrination and take up the responsibility to seek change.