Imagine this: your workday ends, and as you step through the door, you leave behind the stress, the hustle, and everything that came with it. But do you really?

In the words of a wise leader, our emotions at work spill over into other areas of life. Think about those days when everything seems to go wrong. You snap at a colleague, rush through a project, or just can’t seem to catch a break. It doesn’t stop there, does it? That mood follows you home. Suddenly, even the simplest things at home feel off. And it works the other way, too. A great day at work? You’re upbeat, the world seems brighter, and everyone around you notices.

This isn’t just a coincidence. It’s called the “spillover effect.” It’s that phenomenon where our work mood carries into our personal lives. And it doesn’t stop with just us. There’s also something known as the “crossover effect.” Picture this: after a tough day, you go home feeling grumpy, and before you know it, everyone else is a little off too. It’s contagious. But when we’re happy and engaged, that positivity crosses over to others just as easily.

Now, here’s the real insight: engaging your team isn’t about keeping them “happy” in some shallow way. It’s about fostering an environment where people feel emotionally committed. It’s about creating that spark where they genuinely care. Because, as research has shown time and time again, engaged people aren’t just more productive—they’re healthier, less stressed, and yes, they stick around longer.

And what drives this kind of engagement? It boils down to three big things: growth, recognition, and trust.

Growth: People need to feel they’re advancing in their careers and evolving as individuals. If someone’s just coasting, their engagement drops. But when there’s a sense of progress, they’re energized.

Recognition: This isn’t about employee-of-the-month plaques. It’s about feeling genuinely appreciated. Recognition comes from small moments—being listened to, having your ideas respected, knowing your efforts matter.

Trust: This goes two ways. People need to trust their leaders and believe in the future of their company. Confidence that the business is on the right path inspires loyalty and dedication.

Here’s a simple way to remember it: GRT—Growth, Recognition, Trust. Together, they form the backbone of an engaged and thriving team, AND you’re creating a ripple effect that touches families, relationships, and communities.

Leadership isn’t just about profits and productivity; it’s about people. And it’s time we start leading with that in mind.