What’s the example of engagement most often called upon to illustrate the point? For me, by some distance, it’s the story of the NASA caretaker, asked by a visiting dignitary as to his role within the organisation.
His reply? ‘I’m helping put a man on the moon’.
Great story, full of warmth, believability, commitment and, obviously, engagement.
Is there a drawback? Well, the story exists in a number of variations. The dignitary has been JFK, his brother Bobby as well as several others unable to boast the Kennedy surname. Other sources indeed suggest the tale itself is apocryphal. And apart from any other considerations, the story does date back some 40+ years.
Yesterday, the floods in Thailand produced a similar tale of passion and commitment beyond the cause. It also benefited from being true and distinctly topical.
Despite the worst floods in the region for 50 years, despite the presence of leeches and crocodiles, Bangkok postman, Somyod Somsamai, continues to wade through waist deep waters to deliver the post. He has even made it onto youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4SSXcgK570&feature=youtube_gdata
A reasonable question might be why. If ever there was a reasonable excuse for surrendering to the duvet, pestilential floods and large carnivorous reptiles would appear to tick that box. For Somyod, however, ‘People need their mail’.
Despite personal risk, clear and present danger, the engagement the postman feels for his customers, his colleagues and his employer is frankly staggering. Whatever the Thai postal services are doing to create engagement and a meaningful employment experience, it would appear to be paying off.
Getting to the heart of your employee mindset 