A Perspective on Engagement

Dear Leader,

For the last few months I‧ve been sitting at my desk feeling sapped of energy and passion for my work. I know, this isn‧t what you want to hear. After all, when I began my career here things were so promising. Do you remember?

Two years ago I was referred to our organization and was energized about the chance to work here. I knew that once I was hired, my talent and passion for what I do would shine through. I was finally going to be somewhere I could make a difference! This was my big opportunity.

After the first few months of sporadic training and random assignments, my excitement started to wane. My manager was a self-described “old-school manager.” He‧d been with the company for over 20 years. I learned early on that he was really in charge. In my third week he told me that all decisions were to go through him. He preferred to filter every communication, whether it be to a senior manager or a customer. Nobody on the team said anything to him about the way he made them feel, but I could tell my teammates were just going through the motions. I thought, “That won‧t be me. I am excited and ready to make a difference, no matter what!”

Fast forward ten months later to today. I am not happy with my job. My manager doesn‧t even really know me. He tries to motivate me by threatening me. Last week he said, “You‧d better get that done. If you mess it up, there‧ll be hell to pay.” I knew the hell he was referring to. Sally once missed a deadline and he yelled at her. I could hear him through his office walls! The sad thing is that it wasn‧t even Sally‧s fault. He‧d told her the wrong deadline, and she was doing what he said. Now she doesn‧t trust him or anything he says.

All my frustration at work is starting to take a toll on my personal life, too. I am irritated when I get home from work. My friends know I am not excited about my job anymore and they console me by sending me postings for new positions. The thing is, I really wanted to work here. I really wanted to make a difference with—and for—this organization. But if nobody takes the time to connect with me—to care about me—then I just don‧t think I can do it. I am disengaging more and more every day. Leader, can you motivate me to use my talents and help the organization reach its goals? Would you, please!

Sincerely,                  

Becoming Disengaged