This is the third post in my series on understanding the Engagement Pyramid, a framework I developed to help leaders identify and engage their people based on where they actually are, not where we wish they were. The pyramid breaks engagement into six levels, from the disengaged at the base
This is the second post in my series on understanding the Engagement Pyramid, a framework I developed to help leaders identify and engage their people based on where they actually are, not where we wish they were. The pyramid breaks engagement into six levels, from the disengaged at the base
Every team has different levels of engagement. Some people show up energized and ready to contribute. Others are physically present but mentally calculating how many hours until the weekend. Understanding these differences isn’t about labeling people. It’s about recognizing where someone is so you can lead them more effectively. Over
Duds and Deadbeats Duds and Deadbeats occupy the lower-left quadrant, negative on both dimensions. They’re the most straightforward Negative Nellies to identify. These are people who don’t do their job well and actively damage the culture while they’re at it. You know you’re dealing with a Dud or Deadbeat when
Gallup’s research breaks the workforce into three categories: 31% engaged, 52% not engaged, and 17% actively disengaged. If you’ve been following along, the first two categories map neatly onto what we’ve been discussing. The 52% who are “not engaged” are your Neutrals and 1s, the folks doing just enough to
When I spoke at Seton Hall University, I witnessed something that perfectly illustrated how titles mean nothing when it comes to engagement and impact. Most people assume a university’s first impression comes from a polished tour guide, a friendly admissions rep, or maybe the president with a firm handshake and
I watched a CEO unknowingly destroy his own team morale in under ten minutes. He didn’t yell. He didn’t throw things. He just sat there in a leadership meeting, spewing negativity like it was his job. “This last week was absolutely sh*t. We blew it.” Then, “I don’t get how
Jamie stood in the back of the conference room, arms crossed over her chest. With each passing minute, her frown deepened as she watched her carefully planned team-building session unravel before her eyes. The vibe in the room was off as half the team was barely participating, and the other
My friend Kevin is the kind of guy who treats life like one big “Yes, and…” improv scene. So when he got a mysterious text on a dreary NYC morning that read: “This Saturday. Union Square. Bring a pillow in a black plastic bag. When the clock hits 3pm, take
At a friend’s wedding many years ago, I watched something beautiful, and honestly, a little ridiculous, unfold. Dinner had wrapped. The cake had been cut. It was officially time for dancing. Only one problem, the dance floor was empty. Then it happened. The DJ queued up The Chicken Dance. The
Take our free Dance Floor Theory™ Quiz to find out where your culture stands, and how to improve it.
Real leadership insights, no corporate fluff.
Join 15,000+ leaders who get our best ideas, once a week.