reengaging-disengaged-employee-michael

Re-engaging a Disengaged Employee

with Michael Reyes - Disengaged High-Performer
Expert~35 min5 goalsLeadership

Conduct a challenging feedback conversation with a high-performer who has become disengaged

SCENARIO

Michael Reyes, once your star developer, has become increasingly disengaged. His work quality remains high, but his participation in meetings and team activities has dropped significantly. You need to address this in a one-on-one meeting.

Objectives

  • Uncover the root cause of Michael's disengagement
  • Work together to find a path forward
  • Re-ignite his motivation and engagement

Skills you'll practice

Performance managementActive listeningEmployee engagementCareer development

How you'll be evaluated

COMMUNICATION

  • Probing questions
  • Non-judgmental tone
  • Career-focused discussion

PROBLEM SOLVING

  • Root cause analysis
  • Growth opportunities
  • Challenge identification

EMOTIONAL

  • Patience with silence
  • Empathy for boredom
  • Motivation building

Conversation goals

Work through these in roughly this order during the session.
  1. Goal 1

    Non-Threatening Opening

    Start the conversation with a non-judgmental tone that makes Michael feel safe to open up

    KEY BEHAVIORS

    • Avoid accusatory language
    • Express appreciation for his work
    • Set collaborative tone

    WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

    • Michael doesn't become defensive
    • He maintains eye contact
    • His posture remains open
  2. Goal 2

    Observation Without Judgment

    Share your observations about his decreased engagement without making it personal

    KEY BEHAVIORS

    • Focus on behaviors not personality
    • Use specific examples
    • Ask open-ended questions

    WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

    • Michael acknowledges the observations
    • He doesn't deny or get defensive
    • He begins to share some context
  3. Goal 3

    Deep Listening and Probing

    Listen carefully and ask probing questions to understand the root cause of his disengagement

    KEY BEHAVIORS

    • Ask about career satisfaction
    • Explore his current challenges
    • Listen for unmet needs

    WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

    • Michael opens up about his feelings
    • He shares frustrations or concerns
    • The real issues begin to surface
  4. Goal 4

    Exploring Growth Opportunities

    Discuss potential growth opportunities and new challenges that might re-engage him

    KEY BEHAVIORS

    • Propose new challenges
    • Discuss career development
    • Explore his interests and goals

    WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

    • Michael shows increased interest
    • He begins suggesting ideas
    • His energy level noticeably increases
  5. Goal 5

    Action Planning and Commitment

    Work together to create a specific action plan for his re-engagement and growth

    KEY BEHAVIORS

    • Co-create development plan
    • Set specific goals and timelines
    • Get his commitment

    WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

    • Michael actively participates in planning
    • He shows enthusiasm for the plan
    • Clear next steps are established
#leadership#engagement#performance#motivation