Otherwise Engaged

About the Author

For the past thirty years, John Guaspari has helped leaders take on the challenge of being more effective at attending to the so-called “soft stuff.” He has worked with and made presentations for hundreds of corporate clients in scores of industries, and he has delivered some 1500 intangibles-related presentations, seminars, and workshops. As a result, John has gained an enviable reputation for his ability to unravel complex subject matter and communicate it in the kind of accessible and engaging way that leads to real learning.

Main Idea

Otherwise Engaged: How Leaders Can Get a Firmer Grip on Employee Engagement and Other Key Intangibles by John Guaspari is about leadership and the crucial importance of The Intangibles in achieving business success. The Intangibles include elements such as employee engagement, empowerment, trust, respect, and company values. Guaspari explains why traditional approaches to employee engagement often fail and offers a new paradigm that focuses on respect and understanding the emotional and rational needs of employees.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Getting a Grip on The Intangibles
• Engagement
• Empowerment
• Trust and Respect
• Values
• The People Stuff
• Respect Revisited
• Solipsism
• What Should You Do Right Now?

Introduction

John Guaspari introduces the concept of The Intangibles, emphasizing their importance in leadership and employee engagement. He highlights that many leaders understand the need to address these soft elements but often struggle to do so effectively. This book aims to provide a new approach to understanding and leveraging The Intangibles for better business outcomes.

Getting a Grip on The Intangibles

Leaders must recognize that The Intangibles are not just supplementary to business operations but are integral to achieving success. Traditional rational approaches often fall short because The Intangibles exist on a different plane—one that requires emotional intelligence and a focus on human aspects. Guaspari argues that leaders need to consciously shift their mindset to address these elements effectively.

For instance, many leaders focus on data-driven solutions, which are essential but not sufficient when dealing with The Intangibles. The soft aspects of business, such as employee feelings, motivations, and relationships, require a different approach. Leaders must develop their emotional intelligence to better understand and manage these components.

addressing The Intangibles:

• Conducting regular one-on-one meetings to understand employees' personal and professional goals.
• Implementing feedback systems that allow employees to voice their opinions and concerns.
• Creating a supportive work environment that values collaboration and open communication.

Engagement

Engagement is often misunderstood as mere interaction or connection. However, Guaspari redefines engagement as “the extent to which a person invests incremental energy and effort into the task at hand.” He stresses the importance of addressing both the rational and emotional dimensions of humans to foster genuine engagement. For instance, if employees are asking, “Why should I care?” leaders must provide meaning and purpose in their work to elicit emotional commitment.

"Engagement is not a matter of leaders engaging employees. It’s about leaders creating the conditions necessary for employees to be more fully engaged in their work." - John Guaspari

Many organizations attempt to increase engagement through activities like off-site meetings and breakout sessions. While these can foster interaction, they often fail to address the deeper need for meaning and emotional connection. Leaders should focus on creating a sense of purpose and significance in the workplace to truly engage employees.

fostering engagement:

• Creating meaningful work experiences that align with employees' personal values and goals.
• Providing opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Recognizing and celebrating individual and team achievements.

Empowerment

True empowerment is not about telling employees they are empowered but creating an environment where they feel safe to exercise their judgment. Empowerment is a feeling of assuredness that comes from trust and respect. Leaders need to see the world from the perspective of their employees to create this sense of empowerment.