Don’t be fooled. Sometimes the worst thing you can possibly have is an employee who does everything they’re supposed to do.  Sounds a little backwards, but hear me out.

So, let’s say that you currently employ both Bob and Ron.  They have the same title and work within the same department.

Bob only does what he’s asked to do.  He does it well, but it’s nothing exceptional—nothing you’re going to take to the press with or bank your business on.  Bob consistently meets his quotas, shows up to work every day, and is never late.  You consider him a valuable employee.

Ron goes over and beyond what he’s asked to do.  He does everything so well that you consider it to be an exceptional feat—you would bank your business on his motivation alone.  Ron consistently meets his quotas and then some.  He shows up to work every day and right on time just like Bob, but you consider him an invaluable asset.

So, what’s the difference between the two?  Well, obviously Ron is smarter or more talented or more…something, right?  Not quite.  You see, everything Ron has, Bob has, as well.  The difference lies within Ron’s personal desire to actually accomplish something.

Sometimes you can have employees with all the same traits and characteristics, but the value they bring to your company can vary immensely.  The difference between an engaged and disengaged employee can make a world of difference to your business.

A disengaged employee won’t necessarily tarnish your good reputation, but it can hurt your business:

  • A lackluster employee doesn’t tend to worry about ‘future anythings.’ They’re concerned about finishing their work, getting their paycheck, and then going home.
  • They’re unconcerned with the work of their fellow employees.  They probably won’t have extremely beneficial input and will rarely offer up their assistance.
  • Enthusiasm is simply not something they possess, while within the confines of their workplace.  Like mentioned previously, they just want to finish their work and be done with it.  Putting their all into something is a definite no-no for them.

An engaged employee has the power to increase your reputation and better your business:

  • An employee that is engaged worries about the success their work has within your business.  They care about the quality of their work and will legitimately worry if their input is not up to par with their paycheck.
  • They care about the well-being of other employees and will actively motivate, encourage, and support their employees.  If that means taking on more work, then so be it.
  • Because they care about quality, they’re inherently enthusiastic about work.  They get excited about a new project because they once again can prove their worth.

The ultimate difference between the engaged and the disengaged is their ability to attract business, clients, traffic, and, in due course, success.  When a client interacts with an enthusiastic, motivated employee, they finally see what they’ve been missing.  Yes, they may be paying the exact same price (or, even less) for the same product or service, but the method through which they are receiving it is not identical.  This can be said for anything—ideas, interactions, reports, projects, anything they have a hand in.  The work of the engaged will look worlds different than what you’ll receive from the disengaged.  And, the worst part is that you’ll expect it.