Many people think of employee engagement as a relatively new idea, but scientists have been studying it for years. William Kahn first introduced the term in 1990, defining it as “the degree of psychological identification employees experience with their job role or work persona.” He noticed that organizations tended to overlook the influence that everyday experiences have on people’s work motivation, focusing instead on their talents, skills, and expertise. Although such qualities are no doubt critical, they are not sufficient to account for the wide range of subjective experiences employees have at work.
How to Tell Your Boss That You’re Not Engaged at Work
Your manager may not know you feel unfulfilled.
October 18, 2017
Summary.
Global estimates indicate that most employees are not fully engaged at work. One of the main drivers of employee disengagement is bad leadership. But leaders are often unaware of this, as it’s very unusual for employees to feel that they can honestly and openly criticize their bosses without paying the consequences. If you want to give your employer a chance before considering other jobs, you need to try to communicate your dissatisfaction. One tactic is to tell your manager that you need help reaching your full potential, or that you need a new challenge. Alternatively, you can say that your role is not the right fit for you. Another option is to say that you find your work exhausting and that you’re looking for help. Granted, these approaches are not guaranteed to work, so it’s always good to have a Plan B in mind before you address the issue head-on.
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Managing Your Boss Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Managing Your Boss. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Build a productive partnership with your most important stakeholder.