I’m constantly amazed by human behaviour. It is a constant source of interest and – at times – frustration. As I approach half a century in age I feel that I’ve discovered a key reason why the majority of mankind is unlikely to evolve much further as a civilisation/ community.
This reason is closely linked to the relationship between “interest” and “engagement”. Let me explain…
If an employee who is assigned to a particular role/ task has no genuine/ real interest in doing what is required to fulfill the given role/ task, then they will not become engaged – and therefore will be likely to perform the required task more or less “mindlessly” (or robotically) and without applying themselves (either mind and/or body).
It is disturbing and concerning to see so much evidence of people performing work functions without showing any real interest in what they’re doing. Simply put, their heart just isn’t in it.
Consequently, the outcomes resulting from their efforts often don’t meet expected/ required standards, and more concerning mistakes become commonplace. Mistakes can prove to be costly in both time and money; particularly where re-work is required to correct an error made.
If a person has no real interest in what they’re doing, they’re not going to feel engaged in the task to hand, and therefore are not going to apply themselves to the best of their ability. Consequently, less-than-optimum outcomes in the form of:
a) Sub-standard quality of product/ service
b) Below target productivity levels
c) People hurting themselves due to not carrying-out tasks using techniques (e.g. lifting heavy objects) in a particular way that minimises physical discomfort
d) Failure to learn new practices/ techniques/ processes.
…are resulting. These outcomes are counterproductive to the forward movement (evolution) of an organisation/ business.
In my view, if an employer finds that particular employees are not performing at expected (realistic) levels, look closely at the way in which they approach executing their tasks. You’ll soon see the difference between a person whose heart is in what they’re doing versus someone who is simply turning-up for work due to the necessity to earn some form of income.
Nurture the development of those employees who show interest in what they do – extend their horizon, keep fueling their quest to achieve and keep giving them reasons to remain engaged adding value to your organisation.