You know that employee engagement is what it’s all about. But how do you make that happen?

You could stand on a chair and yell, “Hey everybody! Become engaged!” (Don’t laugh – I’ve seen approaches that are almost that silly.)

Engagement has more to do with something researchers Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer call the “inner work life” of employees. The best managers and colleagues help those around them build great inner work lives, including positive attitudes about themselves, their situation, their colleagues and their company.

Some of the simplest everyday events, especially when repeated, can have a big impact on employees’ inner work lives. Poor leaders can wear it down day by day, often without knowing it. But good leaders and colleagues alike make it a priority to enrich the inner work lives of those around them for everyone’s benefit.

Research is showing that one of the most powerful ways to improve the quality of that inner work life is by giving employees a feeling of progress—of forward momentum in meaningful work. (more…)