Thomas Willis encourages CEOs to think differently about their title. Chief Engagement Officers are exactly what organizations need in 2024 when only 33% of employees are engaged in their work and over 50% are looking for new jobs (Gallup).
Becoming the CEO (Chief Engagement Officer) that your team needs is critical if you want to step into the future of leadership. His new book, “The Great Engagement”, is for those CEOs who dare to dream of a workforce that buzzes with innovation and commitment.
An epidemic of low engagement in the workplace is not just a catchy metaphor—it’s a real and pressing issue, one that can cripple companies from the inside out. The prevailing wisdom that a high salary and a corner office are the quintessence of employee motivation are as outdated as shoulder pads and floppy disks. Willis’s groundbreaking equation tells a different story: Engagement = Aspiration + Empowerment. This equation isn’t just a sleek tagline; it’s a call to arms.
Aspiration is the invisible yet palpable force that propels a rocket. It’s what transforms a group of individuals into a team with a shared vision. Willis stresses that a CEO’s role is to align the team’s goals with the organization’s purpose. “When people understand how their work contributes to a larger goal, they’re more likely to invest themselves fully,” explains Willis. It’s not just about setting targets – it’s about weaving each person’s contribution into the larger tapestry of the company’s mission.
On the flip side of the coin is Empowerment, a term that has been bandied about in boardrooms for years with varying degrees of sincerity. But in Willis’s philosophy, it’s the key to unlocking a team’s potential. He cites the legacy of William L. McKnight at 3M, a man who famously asserted, “If you put fences around people, you get sheep. Give the people the room they need.” The result? A culture of innovation that propelled 3M to the forefront of its industry.
It’s easy to nod along with these concepts, but Willis doesn’t just preach; he guarantees results. This isn’t just hopeful thinking—it’s a proven methodology that has steered CEOs and School Superintendents across continents toward cultures that foster growth. “We care deeply about our clients; for us, it’s personal,” he affirms.
Underpinning Willis’s work is a pursuit of something grander than profits: a society where ceilings are shattered, not just raised. His team at Phoenix Performance Partners aspires to a future where limiting beliefs are cast aside in favor of boundless potential. “When people find meaning in their work and practice integrity, they experience a profound sense of personal satisfaction,” Willis reflects.
For those looking to dive deeper into the philosophies and actionable strategies of this new breed of leadership, “The Great Engagement” is not just an anecdotal compilation of success stories. It is a manual, a guidebook, the proverbial lamp in the darkness of disengagement. And it’s gaining traction, rising quickly to become a #1 best-selling book.
CEOs of the modern age, the onus is on you to evolve. The mantle of Chief Engagement Officer awaits, and with it, the tools to mold an extraordinary workforce. The opportunity for transformation, both personal and organizational, is at your fingertips—and “The Great Engagement” is where you start.
Those inspired by Willis’s vision and results can connect with him and his team on LinkedIn. Find his full profile and witness the journey of countless organizations reimagined under his tutelage.
In a world screaming for authenticity and a personal touch, Willis’s work stands a testament to the power of emotional investment. From CEO to Chief Engagement Officer, the transition isn’t just semantic—it’s the dawn of a new era in leadership.
Published by: Martin De Juan
