I am Honored to Lead a People-First Movement in the Automotive Industry

Teaching in an industry I love is more than an honor—it’s a calling. The automotive field is at a pivotal moment, and I’m thrilled to bring people-first, innovative strategies to the forefront. My goal is to bridge the gap between team engagement and real, measurable ROI, showing that investing in people isn’t just good practice; it’s a game-changer for growth. I have an opportunity at AAPEX this year to teach and guide leaders to a new place with their team. 

A Unique Opportunity: Measuring and Improving Engagement

One of the highlights of my class is the Engagement Report—an invaluable tool that provides real insight into your company’s culture. Through this report, attendees will gain a LIVE comprehensive understanding of their own perspectives on engagement, culture and will be able to visualize how these insights add up across their teams. It happens right in class. Real time. This isn’t just about individual perspectives; it’s about combining those insights into a powerful team report that pinpoints areas for growth for the company and identifies specific, actionable areas that improve engagement.

Imagine having a roadmap for employee engagement, a metric so often considered intangible, now placed squarely in your control. This tool can provide pulses that tell you if what you are doing is working.  It is always good to check in on your return for investments of time, talent and money. Together, we have the ability to identify the top three areas for your business to focus on and discuss pulse checks—a powerful practice of checking in three to four times per year, ensuring that the team stays aligned and engagement remains high. The result? A dynamic, adaptive culture that aligns with your business goals.

The 8 Factors of Engagement: A Holistic Approach to Success

Engagement is a broad concept, so we’ll break it down using Dr. Robert Sicora’s 8 Factors of Engagement, that aligns with Gallup’s research. These factors form the foundation of a thriving workplace, covering everything from purpose and communication to accountability and trust. Here’s a quick look at how each factor plays a role:

1. Purpose: A team that understands its mission and the larger impact of its work will show higher motivation and satisfaction. This goes beyond just showing up—it’s about contributing to something meaningful.
2. Care: Open, honest communication builds connection and prevents misunderstandings that can erode trust This leads to a feeling of care that grows your teams motivation. It’s a cornerstone for collaboration and smooth operations.
3. Accountability: Holding each other accountable is key to a cohesive, reliable team. Accountability breeds respect and demonstrates that each team member values their role.
4. Agility: Ensuring that everyone’s efforts point toward the same goals minimizes wasted time and maximizes results. Alignment is a powerful factor in achieving company objectives efficiently. And it is important to stay agile during all phases of your company’s growth. When things change it is important to provide the culture that supports 100% change.
5. Development: Employees need room to grow, both professionally and personally. A commitment to development shows that you’re invested in your team’s future.
6. Trust: Trust is essential for any healthy team. Building and maintaining trust creates a safe environment where employees feel comfortable taking risks and innovating.
7. Recognition: Recognizing effort and results, big and small, goes a long way in boosting morale. Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to be engaged and loyal.
8. Resources: Finally, support comes in many forms—whether it’s guidance, resources, or simply being there for one another. When employees feel supported, they’re more likely to go above and beyond. And when you provide the resources they need because they need them it assures their constant best self showing up for the team.

By focusing on these eight factors, we’ll uncover specific actions you can take to strengthen engagement. And this isn’t theoretical; it’s practical, with real examples and strategies that have proven successful.

My Talent Planner: Transforming Data into Action

To take these insights a step further, we’ll explore My Talent Planner, a platform designed to turn data into actionable steps. My Talent Planner provides you with the tools to dig deeper into your company’s engagement levels and align your team around the goals that matter. Using it as a guide, and a place to house information and documents you’ll be able to set clear objectives, monitor progress, and maintain focus on what drives ROI in your business.

The platform empowers leaders by offering specific guidance on:

• Setting and Measuring Objectives: It helps leaders establish clear, measurable objectives that align with business priorities.
• Employee Development: Personalized development plans foster a learning environment where employees can grow in ways that benefit both them and the company.
• Engagement Tracking: By monitoring engagement, My Talent Planner allows you to see trends over time, identifying areas where engagement may be slipping so you can address issues proactively.
• Behavioral Styles and Communication Insights: The tool provides insights into behavioral styles, which helps teams communicate more effectively and avoid common misunderstandings.

Using My Talent Planner alongside the Engagement Report allows you to bring a more scientific approach to engagement. This combination doesn’t just help you track engagement; it transforms data into actionable plans that foster real results.

Pulse Checks: Keeping a Finger on the Pulse of Your Culture

One of the standout elements of this class is the concept of pulse checks. It’s not enough to gauge engagement once and forget about it. Engagement is fluid, changing with time and circumstances. Conducting pulse checks three to four times a year keeps your finger on the pulse of your team’s morale, allowing you to spot potential issues before they escalate.

By the end of this class, you’ll walk away with a clear plan for engagement that goes beyond theory. You’ll have a complete Engagement Report, an understanding of the eight essential factors of engagement, and the tools you need to make a difference. I can’t wait to share these insights with an industry I care deeply about, and I look forward to watching as the automotive world continues to put people first, driving results that benefit everyone involved.