Engagement: The Cornerstone of Leadership
By Richard Joseph
Once again, I find myself reflecting on what it means to be an effective leader. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that leadership is not confined to a title or role—anyone can be called upon to step up and take charge. The quote that resonates most with me is, 'It’s not about doing your best; it’s about doing what needs to be done.' This perspective has shaped my understanding of leadership as a responsibility to others, defined by actions and values.
As I think about leadership in 2025, one key principle rises above all others: engagement. Good leaders must do more than preach values or dictate tasks; they must actively engage with their teams. Engagement is what bridges the gap between vision and execution, ensuring that everyone is aligned, supported, and motivated to succeed.
Leadership Through Engagement
Too often, employees are measured by their perceived lack of productivity without being given the opportunity to truly engage in meaningful work. Managers and leaders can inadvertently isolate team members by failing to actively involve them in projects, decisions, or the organization’s culture. This lack of engagement can lead to several avoidable pitfalls:
Acclimation Challenges: New employees are often left to navigate unfamiliar systems, processes, and cultures on their own. Without guidance, they may struggle to find their footing, leading to frustration and diminished performance.
Missed Opportunities for Growth: Employees need involvement in challenging projects to develop their skills and demonstrate their value. Leaders who fail to include their teams in critical work stifle growth and innovation.
Unjust Evaluations: Leaders may criticize employees for lacking “tribal knowledge” or failing to perform to expectations, without realizing that their own lack of engagement has left team members without the tools, knowledge, or confidence to succeed.
Seven Key Values for Leadership
Reflecting on leadership through the lens of engagement, I’ve distilled seven key values that I believe define effective leadership. These values emphasize the actions leaders must take to truly connect with and empower their teams:
Empathy Understanding and valuing the perspectives of others is essential. Empathy builds trust, fosters collaboration, and creates an environment where people feel supported and valued.
Integrity Acting with honesty and ethical clarity is foundational. Integrity inspires confidence, establishes credibility, and reinforces a culture of accountability and trust.
Adaptability Flexibility and the willingness to embrace change are critical. Effective leaders navigate uncertainty and evolving circumstances with resilience and an open mind.
Vision A clear and compelling vision aligns teams toward shared goals. Visionary leaders provide direction, inspire action, and ensure focus on long-term success.
Collaboration Success is driven by teamwork. Encouraging open communication and leveraging diverse perspectives create stronger, more innovative solutions.
Empowerment Great leaders lift others by providing the tools, opportunities, and autonomy needed to succeed. Empowered teams feel ownership, innovate, and thrive.
Continuous Learning Leadership is a journey of growth. Seeking feedback, staying curious, and embracing learning opportunities ensure relevance and adaptability over time.
The Power of Engagement
Leaders must recognize that true engagement is about more than just assigning tasks or holding meetings. It’s about:
Actively Participating in Team Development: Leaders should work alongside their teams, providing mentorship, resources, and support.
Including Employees in Meaningful Work: Everyone deserves the chance to contribute to impactful projects. By involving team members in challenging, visible work, leaders demonstrate trust and belief in their abilities.
Fostering Open Communication: Engagement thrives in an environment where employees feel safe sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback without fear of judgment.
Building a Collaborative Culture: Leaders who engage with their teams create a sense of belonging and shared purpose, which drives motivation and performance.
A Call to Action for Leaders
As we move into 2025, let’s commit to being leaders who engage. Let’s ensure that employees are not left to fend for themselves but are guided, included, and supported in their journey. By embracing engagement as a cornerstone of leadership, we can build stronger teams, foster innovation, and achieve shared success.
Leadership isn’t just about having the vision to see what needs to be done; it’s about having the will to engage with those who will help make it happen.
Richard Joseph is a technology and business strategist focused on supply chains, digital transformation, and the intersection of economic policy and modern enterprise.