The Open Organization

3

Building Engagement

Leaders at large, conventional organizations often ask me how it feels to lead an engaged, participative organization. That’s a critical issue, especially because Gallup research shows that only 13 percent of employees worldwide are actively engaged at work, and more than twice that number are so disengaged they are likely to spread negativity to others.¹ Many executives see companies like Google, which gives away food and other perks, and think that building an engaged workforce is about lavishing things on your employees. Certainly perks like great sushi may get people to stick around the office longer, but they aren’t in themselves tools that engage.

True engagement comes from, well, engaging. It’s about leaders making ...