What engages YOU? The 3 C’s of Personal Engagement.

This week we answer the question: If we want to improve engagement in our communities we need to understand what personally engages us. How do we uncover that and what benefits does that bring to the engagement process?

 “Leadership is not the private reserve of a few charismatic men and women. It is a process ordinary people use when they are bringing forth the best from themselves and others.”  ~Kouzes and Posner~ 

As this quote suggests, there is great potential if we think of engagement as a process of bringing forth OUR best and fostering the leadership in all of US. It’s when we uncover what personally engages us, and align that with the work that needs to be done, collaborative action will flourish.

We can uncover what engages us by knowing what calls to us, what sustains us and what makes us feel strong.  The more we notice our strengths and become engaged in our own lives – the more engaging we are to others and the more open and accepting we become to seeing others for the uniqueness they bring. Be curious about why people come, why they stay, and what keeps their momentum going over time. When we do this we know what we need to tap into to keep things engaged.

Knowing what engages you personally helps with the 3 C’s:

• Concentration: When we engage from a strengths filled place the result is focused goals, intentions and visions
• Calling: A strengths approach increases meaning and purpose to the work. The stronger the connection or the calling a person sees between themselves and the work, the more enthusiasm and energy they will feel able to devote.
• Confidence: Strengths increase confidence and commitment in decision making abilities. It’s easier to decide what to do – and follow through - when you know what engages and BINDS you to it.

Village Raising Question:

What would happen if you took a strengths filled approach to your community work?

Which one of the three C’s do you want to put into practice this coming week? How? Tell us about it!

Looking for more strength filled resources and HOW TO's of personal engagement?

 See online at www.raisingthevillage.ca for the Vibrant Life – Vibrant Leaderships workbook, where we were inspired by Lance Secretan’s process of guiding leaders through a process of defining their destiny, calling and cause and by Stephen R. Covey’s work of finding your voice as well as Marcus Buckhingham’s and Jennifer Fox’s strengths work.  

Related blogs:

Strengths Compass