As our Employee Engagement Specialist, Jenny Jacobs brings an infectious humor and midwestern sensibility to everything she does. Jenny is a lifelong learner and a natural teacher who guides our clients through a structured employee engagement method that improves bottom lines and results in changes that last. Jenny holds a B.A. in Organizational Psychology from the University of Michigan and is a 2017 Masters candidate for Organizational/Industrial Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. And don’t forget to check out the short video below where Jenny introduces herself and our new program.

By: Jenny Jacobs

In my last blog, I discussed how for the first time in history we have five generations working side by side. This can lead to challenges and divisions, even for the best of leaders. To engage and ignite all five generations, we recommend deploying the Transformative Leadership Model. It’s a model with four distinct quadrants: Purpose, Alignment, Strengths, and Learning & Growth.

Today, I will dive deeper into Quadrant 1: Purpose. I’d like to start by observing some fascinating facts about butterflies and their purpose as published in the Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies.

• Butterflies lay their eggs only on milkweed because milkweed is poisonous to some animals therefore their eggs remain safe.
• There are over 28,000 species of butterflies and they all serve a specific purpose that accomplishes the end result of the metamorphosis cycle.
• Butterflies are not only delightful to see fluttering around but their existence is crucial to the wellbeing of our ecosystem by supplying pollination, reducing air pollution, and enhancing environmental beauty.

The butterfly understands its purpose. It knows what it needs to do, how to do it, and how it contributes to a greater purpose. Purpose is hardwired into its DNA.

Do you know what your company’s purpose is? Do your employees know the role they play in achieving that purpose?

If your employees do not understand that they are part of the bigger picture of your organization, you are missing out on a crucial aspect of employee engagement. According to a 2014 study by Gallup, only about four in ten employees (41%) know what their company stands for and what makes its brand different from its competitors’. This lack of brand awareness is not a marketing problem; it is a mission-driven leadership and management problem.

Since it is counterproductive to design five distinct programs or strategies to manage each generation, the Transformative Leadership Model empowers management teams to encourage a meaningful work experience by leading everyone together. Connecting your employees to your higher purpose will take your organization to the next level.

Question: Do your employees know that they are part of the bigger picture of your organization?

Click here to learn more about 5 Generations. Side by Side. and reserve your seat for our March 28th workshop!