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UNDERSTOOD: The Greatest Human Need and the Key to Engagement

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In The Greatest Human Need and the Key to Engagement, Maria deBruijn explores the profound impact of feeling understood in the workplace. Inspired by years of research, deBruijn offers nine principles that serve as a blueprint for leaders to cultivate an environment where engagement thrives. She highlights the crucial role leaders play in fostering connections, leading to higher productivity, lower turnover, and greater overall well-being within the workplace. Through insightful stories and practical guidance, Understood challenges leaders to rethink their approach to engagement, emphasizing that when employees feel understood, they are more connected, motivated, and committed to their teams and organizations. This book is an essential guide for any leader seeking to unlock the full potential of their workforce.

Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2025

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Maria deBruijn

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Profile Image for Nadine Wright.
2 reviews
March 24, 2025
Understood: The Greatest Human Need and the Key to Engagement is a powerful and insightful read that completely shifted my perspective on leadership and workplace dynamics. Maria highlights how the simple yet profound act of making people feel genuinely understood can transform relationships, boost engagement, and create healthier, more productive teams.

What I truly appreciated about this book is how practical and actionable it is. The nine principles Maria presents are clear and relatable, making it easy to see how they can be applied in real-life leadership (or employee) settings. Her emphasis on authenticity, empathy, and consistency resonated deeply with me. I have a sticky note on my computer with the words "emotional sunshine" as a reminder and this book aims to help you embody that phrase.

I really liked how the book highlights practical skills with mindset shifts, offering a balanced approach to fostering meaningful connections in the workplace. Whether you're a leader aiming to strengthen team dynamics or simply someone seeking to build better relationships, Understood is a must-read. It’s one of those rare books that not only makes you reflect but also equips you with the tools to create positive, lasting change. Highly recommend with 5 enthusiastic stars!
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