Recognise This! – A quick, practical guide to pursuing engagement for yourself and creating an engaging work environment for everyone, Kevin Kruse’s latest book is well worth the read.

With employee engagement research, studies and findings overflowing inboxes and RSS feeds, have you ever wished for short, to-the-point guide to actually assess and increase your own engagement as well as create a more engaging work environment for others?

If so, I recommend to you Kevin Kruse’s new book, Employee Engagement for Everyone: 4 Keys to Happiness and Fulfillment at Work. Through examples, quick case studies, and exercises to make the reader think through their own situation and actions (or reactions), Kevin guides the reader to understand and answer these questions among others:

• Who is responsible for engagement? We all are.
• How does disengagement affect me? Less than desirable work performance, yes, but also negative impacts on health, personal relationships and other factors outside the workplace.
• How does engagement affect my company? Increased engagement is directly linked to increased profits and organisational success.
• What triggers increased engagement? Communication, growth and development, recognition and appreciation, and trust and confidence.

On this last point, Kevin shares tips for improving in each of these areas critical to employee engagement, as well as a quick assessment tool to help you determine which method most engages you. Particularly helpful is a section on how to deal with the “Debbie Downers” at work – those people who make it a point to be negative and actively disengaged from their work, their colleagues and the goals of the organisation. Even more important in this section is guidance to ensure you are not (or don’t become) a “Debbie Downer” yourself.

My copy also came packaged with Lego-style foam building blocks, reinforcing the four key building blocks of engagement – a great addition for the tactile/playful learners among us. Most helpful, too, is a comprehensive list of 101 top employee engagement experts along with their websites, twitter feeds and blog address.

Be sure to check out Employee Engagement for Everyone for a quick, very helpful guide to actively pursue engagement.