One of the many roles in leadership is overseeing a team of people with an eye to each person’s level of engagement; i.e. assessing each person’s commitment to the mission of the team. This becomes more important with time since one person’s lack of full engagement can actually breed a similar attitude in other members of the team. Therefore, disengagement is best detected early and addressed before it spreads.
This first of two blogs will address the question of how to detect some symptoms of disengagement.
The following might be indicators that a person’s level of commitment is waning:
Clock-watching: Take note of a person who arrives at or just past starting time and is quick to leave at the end of their designated work period. Engaged people arrive a bit early so they are ready to go – and they run all the way through the tape. Their goal is to beat the clock - not to watch it.
Eye Contact: A person who is becoming disengaged might begin to avoid eye contact with you as a leader. This is subtle - yet worth noting.
Suggestions: Engaged people are those who look for better ways to accomplish goals. Disengaged people don’t care - and will begin to “just do their job.” Has there been a change with a person in this manner?
Isolated Focus: That’s a fancy label for the “It’s not my job” syndrome. Engaged people look for ways to contribute to the team. Those who are less committed will focus narrowly - and are not likely to volunteer to assist others with any vigor.
Enthusiasm - Not: Engaged people express a level of enthusiasm. What is your “read” on the level of excitement/enthusiasm for the members of your team?
Certainly there are other symptoms (share yours below). And certainly there can be personal issues that are distracting a person issues that are unrelated to their work and team commitment. The key is to pay attention to each person on the team and to take note of those who appear to become disengaged.
Next week we will explore ways to address this issue as a leader. The goal of course is to develop and maintain maximum engagement for each and every member of the team.