Sad, Disengaged, And Unhappy 3d Character Showing StressI didn’t want to write this post. I don’t particularly want to think about employee engagement right now. Yes, it has been my goal to disseminate employee engagement intelligence. I’ve faithfully done so multiple times each week for more than two years. Given that, how can I not continue my mission? If I miss writing this post, what is stopping me from missing another and another…to the point I give up.

 

I don’t want to give up so I have decided to try to channel my thoughts into something that might be useful to others.

 

Yesterday, I suffered a deep personal loss. My beautiful 17-year old, Russian Blue cat, Nikki, passed away. While I am thankful that she went peacefully, on her own terms, in her Dad’s arms, today, I’m dealing with sadness, anxiety, loneliness, depression, selfishness, etc.

Nikki Hankin in the spotlight

 

I realized that a much as I talk about engaging people, there are times when people simply aren’t going to be engaged. Work and life aren’t a balancing act, they are interrelated. No one can be engaged all the time…life happens.

 

Now, I’m wondering whether or not employee engagement can help people cope with unexpected emotional events.

 

I recall an interesting “check in” process that is used in companies pursuing Holocracy.  At the start of each meeting, those in attendance have the opportunity to call out their personal distractions and get present for the meeting. It is not a pity party. In fact, there is no commenting / discussion allowed. It is simply meant to help others know where you are coming from at that point in time.

 

For me, I’m trying to stay busy so that I don’t dwell on my grief. Is that engagement? I don’t have any answers right now.

 

 

What are your thoughts on this post? What can you share with your fellow “Agents” about how you’ve handled similar situations?

 

 

Let’s Engage!

I’m Agent in Engagement Simpson…Gregory F Simpson.

Employee engagement is a critical mission. I hope I can count on your help! Subscribe to the RSS Feed to receive the latest intelligence/insights and/or register to make entries in the comments log.

Photo of Gregory F SimpsonYou can follow me @agtinengagement.
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Learn more about me at gregoryfsimpson.com.

 

 

P.S.  First contact? Welcome to the Agent In Engagement community. Explore and join fellow employee engagement operatives in targeting a known thief – alias: Disengagement. Together we can bring this thief to justice and make the world a better place for all companies and their employees.

Other recent Agent in Engagement data/reports by Agent Gregory F Simpson: