It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to get that engaged employees are effective employees. We all know that we are better at things we give proper and focused attention to.
Something that is not so easy to always to achieve is getting employees that are fully involved in, dedicated to, and enthusiastic about 
their work. It is very rare to get people who, no matter how difficult their working environment may be, will commit themselves to the work they do as a matter or principle. The greater majority will become disengaged as soon as the environment is not favorable.
Preventing this from happening is one of the key leadership challenges. Thankfully there are a number of common practices the leader can keep in mind. Here is a list of 7 behaviours that help keep employees engaged. This list has been informed by the one provided by Peter Economy.
1. Create a sense of Partnership
The best way to encourage your people to consistently give their very best on the job is to get them to own their tasks. Treat each employee as a valuable member of your team, and give them the autonomy to make decisions and do their work as they see fit, so long as they meet their performance standards.
It is of course important to ensure they are capable before granting them autonomy. If they are not then it is the leaders role to give them the means and ability before handing over the ownership of a task. Once ownership has been handed over they must be held accountable for their performance.
If this is done successful throughout a business then the business will be populated by a dynamic workforce of contributors who own and are fully engaged in their work. They are no longer mere employees, they are now partners in a greater project.
2. Involve Your Employees
Involve employees more deeply in your organization by inviting them to join cross-functional teams that draw on the expertise and talent of people from different parts of the organization. Let each team have the authority they need to make decisions on their own — especially when the decisions directly affect them.
People engage most when they feel that they are growing and developing as individuals. By involving them in teams that have a rich variety of functions, you will give them the opportunity to expand their horizons.
3. Let Your Team in on the Plan
Be as transparent with your people as you can be, in terms of providing information on how the company makes and loses money, letting them in on any strategies you may have and explaining to them their role in the big picture. When your employees understand the overall plan, they will view themselves as an important, vital piece of the puzzle.
If you want your employees to take ownership of their tasks then you cannot treat them like mules. You have to recognise their capacity and treat them in a manner which indicates to them that they are a valued member of a team and not just a pack mule that must blindly follow orders.
4. Provide Performance
Regularly set aside time to tell your people what they are doing right and point out any areas for improvement. If performance is not up to par, work with them to develop ideas on how to improve. It’s important that employees feel they are supported by you and the organization, rather than being left behind because of an occasional mistake or bad call.
5. Be Reliable
Never make a promise you can’t keep, and when you do make a promise — no matter how small it might be — be sure to follow through with it. Even if you think your employees don’t care about it, you can be sure that they are keeping score. If you aren’t certain that you will be able to follow through on a promise, then don’t make it.
6. Create a Productive Work Environment
A workplace that is trusting, open and fun will be the most productive and successful. Be open to new ideas and suggestions that come from your employees, and show them that their voices are being heard. Regularly set time aside for team-building exercises and meetings, and make them fun so your employees actually look forward to participating rather than looking for reasons to ditch them.
7. Be Grateful
A sincere thank-you for a job well done can be a powerful motivator for continued success and is an essential tool for every manager. Thank your employees personally and promptly when you catch them doing something right by writing a quick thank-you email or text message, or by dropping by their office to tell them in person.
Appreciation for efforts made, even when results are not quite as desired, expresses gratitude. Effective leaders go out of their way to catch people doing something right so as to offer positive feedback, rather than simply finding fault.
So, I have given a list of 7 things a leader should keep in mind to help keep employees engaged. It is very important to understand that underneath all of these behavioural techniques there needs to be a genuine concern for the employees. Ultimately what matters most of all is the genuine care. The leader must feel a responsibility for his or her employees and do all in his power to facilitate the growth and development of each employee. If a leader is so disposed towards his employees then they will be engaged. So having noted the behvaiours, remember that the crucial variable is actually something deeper.