Engagement is Not Accidental

Years ago, I took an adult education course in commercial lithography, “How to operate a printing press”. 📰

It was held at a local technical school. There were eight of us, four small presses, and the unmistakable smell of ink in the air.

Our instructor was seasoned, skilled, and clearly passionate about his craft. He ran sophisticated presses professionally and genuinely loved teaching us “newbies.” 🧑‍🏫

But each week, he shared stories from his workplace that made me uncomfortable. 😣

He would describe how he and his colleagues intentionally interfered with optimal production. How they’d plan small slowdowns. How they’d “work the system.”

He told the stories as entertainment. 🎭

I remember thinking, “How can someone who clearly loves their craft also undermine the very business that pays them to do it?” 🤔

Maybe it struck me because my dad and grandfather both ran manufacturing businesses. I understood what productivity meant to the people signing the cheques. 💵

That experience has stayed with me.

And today, I see a version of that story playing out in many organizations. Low engagement and motivation is now one of the most costly frustrations leaders face. 💲

It doesn’t usually show up as open resistance. It’s quieter than that: