Activity: Getting Training Results Through Engagement

Purpose: To provide a simple formula for engaging employees in training

Time:  30 minutes

Resources:   Activity Handout

Presentation: 

¨        Begin activity by asking participants if they would like to have a formula that would tell them exactly what they needed to do in order to create a workplace with increased employee engagement

¨        Explain that there may not be any absolutely precise or foolproof formula that exists that would answer all of the mysteries of how to implement Employee Engagement in their organization but there may be a formula that will help them achieve this objective

¨        Display or distribute the Activity Handout

¨        Spend a few minutes reviewing this simple but also complicated formula with participants

¨        This formula states that it is an employee’s ability multiplied by his or her motivation that ultimately determines performance. 

¨        As the formula presents, there are two factors that influence performance.  First is an employee’s ability to perform the job.  If an employee doesn’t have the ability to perform a job then all the motivation in the world won’t result in acceptable performance. 

¨        Discuss with participants what organizational factors influence an employee’s ability to perform a job.  This discussion could include such things as training, resources, experience or even hiring and selection issues.

¨        Next ask participants to focus on the motivation part of the formula

¨        Ask participants how much an employee’s motivation influences his or her job performance?  It is likely that participant’s will respond that this factor in the formula is extremely important.

¨        Ask participants what organizational factors influence an employee’s motivation to perform his or her job? Likely there will be many different opinions concerning these influencers.

¨        Ask how the concept of Employee Engagement can influence an employee’s motivation?  What factors would likely motivate an employee to perform his or her job better?  What factors might likely de-motivate and employee?

¨        Conclude the discussion by asking which of these two factors- ability or motivation has the greatest impact on performance?  

Debrief:

Explain that there may not be any right or wrong answer to the question “Which is more important-ability or motivation?”  relating to performance.  This is actually a very complex question that is influenced by virtually all of the different variables and factors that influence Employee Engagement.  The answer is that you need to have both ability and motivation for high performance to exist. 

Activity Handout

The Engagement Formula
Ability x Motivation= Performance