Engagement is a word that has come into the frequently used leadership lexicon. It’s a really good word, an even better concept, and an absolutely necessary skill for those of us in the business of influencing others. Some refer to it as “presence.”
The level of trust others are willing to afford us is directly proportional to our ability to engage.
Engagement is MUCH easier accomplished in face-to-face environments. The current digital interaction formatting practices make engagement much more difficult. Still doable, but much more difficult.
Our ability to engage effectively has impact on the following perceptions others have of us:
- Authentic, or not.
- Present, or not.
- Trustworthy, or not.
- Caring, or not.
- Interested, or not.
Our ability to engage determines how others feel about us as we interface with them. We have the ability to impact those perceptions.
Finally, authentic engagement is virtually impossible to fake. Most folks have exceptional BS meters when it comes to sniffing out an engagement imposter.
Engaged? Or Disengaged? Our choice.
*To read more of nc’s blatherings, go to www.nelsonwcoulter.com
Nelson Coulter
Nelson Coulter has held a lot of titles: rancher, educator, author, musician, entrepreneur, coach, mentor, consultant, and professor. He has coached, taught, and been published in many settings. He has served in public schools of all shapes, sizes, and contexts. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice at Louisiana State University - Shreveport. His most cherished titles, however, are the ones not attached to career identity: son, husband, dad, and granddad.
