“ceos need to connect with their employees.” this statement shouldn’t take any business leaders by surprise. In past decades, though, it was hardly a requirement.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom these days, leaders of fortune 500 companies and startups alike are taking a different tack. Instead of remaining out of reach, more ceos are making the effort to engage their employees—some are even humble.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom in fact, 78 percent of business leaders are focused on raising engagement and retention, according to deloitte.

Studies show that when employees have confidence in their leaders, they are more likely to be engaged in their work and committed to the organization.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom however, many leaders haven’t done a good job of communicating with their employees. Only 13 percent of employees strongly agree that the leadership of their organization communicates effectively with the rest of the organization, reports gallup.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

The notion that ceos can lead from behind a desk is not only outdated, it’s bad for business. A smart CEO understands that employees can’t be taken for granted.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom A strong connection with employees is necessary to continue driving productivity and growth. So, how does a CEO connect with his or her employees?Cognitive learning theory in the classroom our research uncovered eight ways top leaders succeed.

Zlatko vucetic, CEO of focusvision, a research technology software company, says he reminds himself that his employees have lives outside of work.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom “I’m a strong believer that family comes first in the lives of my team,” vucetic says. “I structure my working time and efforts so I am able to be home every night for dinner with my wife and daughters.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom and I expect my team to be able to use the same balance of commitment and time management to do the same.”

How leaders spend their time influences their ability to lead.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom sealing yourself off inside an office makes you seem aloof and detached from your employees, but monitoring your staff gives the impression that you’re a micromanager.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom ideally, leaders should aim for something in the middle, according to a study by nitin nohria, dean of harvard business school, and michael porter, a professor at harvard business school.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

As leaders take on more responsibilities, many feel pressured to “act like a boss,” losing touch with their ability to be empathetic and connect with their fellow employees, notes rod brace, an executive coach and former chief learning officer for a major health system.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom “an emotionally intelligent CEO will resist the temptation of falling victim to these pressures,” brace says. Instead, the CEO will strive to connect with team members at all levels of the organization.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

“all leaders should take the time to actively listen to their staff,” goldstein says. That includes spending time with employees in team-building events and informal gatherings.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom goldstein recommends identifying staff who seem to have their ears to the ground and gather information from them. “most important, as a leader, you must look for opportunities to improve both business processes and morale,” goldstein says, “even when the staff doesn’t realize there are opportunities for improvement.”

cognitive learning theory in the classroom

At staffing agency worldwide101, the onboarding process includes a session on how to speak up. “we encourage our team to over-communicate and we make a big deal of staying in touch through various means to build trust,” says CEO sandra lewis.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom “this is especially important as a fully remote company where we don’t see each other at the office to gauge the mood of the day.”

Managers, in particular, receive training on how to listen.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom “if there is one tip I would give about employee engagement and motivation,” lewis says, “it would be to train and inspire your managers to always be curious, which translates into keen listening skills.” at team meetings, managers often ask open-ended questions such as, “what can I do to help?” in an effort to empower team members to engage in conversations that are solution driven.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom in result, “employees feel heard, engaged, and understood, and retention is high,” lewis says.

It’s essential for ceos to lead with transparency and honesty, according to antonio wedral, CEO of NOVOS, a digital marketing agency.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom making your employees “feel that they’re a part of something more than a job is essential,” wedral says. To do so, wedral says he shares with his staff “the story of the business,” including its five-year plan, why the business exists, and what the employees’ roles are in the story.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom and on a daily basis, he shares good and bad moments with staff.

And while employee perks are appreciated, they mean even more when they’re personal.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom “for example, we know someone travels on a very long and expensive train to work, so we offer to pay 30 to 50 percent of their monthly travel costs,” wedral says.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom while personalized perks can be difficult to scale, the point is to make employees feel that their needs are understood.

The key takeaway is that there isn’t a fast and easy way to become an engaged leader.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom “there’s no magic pill,” schwantes says. “this isn’t a one-off program, it’s a shift in mindset. And it can take months or longer before getting it right.” with that in mind, leaders who approach these changes as a collaborative—rather than solo—effort are already off to a good start.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom