3E Strategy To Build Exceptional Workplace Culture (2024)

I logged on the Annual Engagement Survey Results portal and clicked "Open". In the 3 seconds of page loading, I can hear my breath quickening and my heart pounding. This is the moment to test the truth. This is the moment to see if the engagement strategy I cultivated for the last 3 years actually worked. This is the moment to check if the culture transformation is taking roots among our most frontline employees.

In 2020, I joined PSCU to lead the Employee Experience team after a 8 years journey of people engagement strategy consulting at Gallup across international markets. The ignition for change is a deep desire to create long term impact in one organization as a change maker, not as a 3rd party consultant.

I created a 3E strategy to lead the EX transformation, focusing on leaders' behaviors changes. As direct leaders contribute to up to 70% of team's engagement variance, improving leaders' ability to engage teams is the key to unlock the engagement potential. To create opportunities for exceptional engagement, leaders are asked to engage with the three E’s: Empathize, Empower and Enthuse. Leaders empathize with their reports by listening to their voices and understanding their perspectives on tasks and projects. They empower their reports by allowing team members to use their strengths at work, and by making use of their team’s combined strengths to achieve the best results. Finally, leaders enthuse their reports by encouraging them to live the meaning and purpose of their work.

I am giving out a big breath of relief as the latest Annual Engagement Survey results displays itself on the screen. We are now at 97th percentile in the Gallup Global Engagement Database, rising from 75th percentile in 2019!

This is the time for celebration and reflection. I will be using the Linkedin platform to regularly share my personal experiences and learning in leading organizations to unleash innovation, attract and retain top talents in the coming days. If you are also passionate about building innovative organizations, please follow me at #unleashinnovation.