Peter Drucker once observed, “So much of what we call management is making it very difficult for other people to get work done.”

Alas, that is true of many (most?) organizations, whatever their size and nature may be.

In It’s the Manager, Jim Clifton and Jim Harter explain why the quality of managers and team leaders is the single biggest factor in any organization’s long-term success.

As they explain, Gallup researchers have spent decades studying thousands of productive organizations, teams, and individuals. The 12 engagement elements they examine in their book provide a concise and comprehensive description of what it takes to build an engaging and productive workplace culture.

Here they are:

1.I know what’s expected of me at work.
2. I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right.
3. At work, I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day.
4. In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work.
5. My supervisor, or someone at work, seems to care about me as a person.
6. There is someone at work who encourages my development.
7. At work, my opinion seems to count.
8. The mission or purpose of my organization makes me feel my job is important.
9. My associates or fellow employees are committed to doing quality work.
10. I have a best friend art work.
11. In the last six months, someone at work has talked to me about my progress.
12. This last year, I have had opportunities to learn and grow.

How many are true of you? Of each of your direct reports? Hmmm….

Please check out Pages 286-300 for a brief discussion of each.

It’s the Manager was published by Gallup Press (May 2019).