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Writer's pictureSam Brinkkam

What Does an Engaged Employee Look Like


Be careful with what you wish for


Employee engagement is a critical aspect of any successful organization. Engaged employees are known to be more productive, committed, and loyal, leading to higher levels of job satisfaction and retention. But what exactly does an engaged employee look like?


They are passionate (passion is an emotion)

First and foremost, engaged employees are passionate about their work. They are excited to come to work each day and enjoy what they do. They believe in the organization's mission and feel a sense of purpose in their work. This passion and a sense of purpose drive them to perform at their best and strive for excellence in their role.


They do more than what is expected (and might not be what you asked for)

Engaged employees are also highly committed to the organization. They are invested in its success and feel a sense of ownership in their role. They are not just there to collect a paycheck but rather see themselves as an integral part of the team, with a responsibility to contribute to the organization's overall success. As a result, they are willing to go above and beyond their job duties to ensure the organization's success and growth.


They Challenge the Status Quo

Communication is another essential characteristic of an engaged employee. They communicate openly and transparently with their colleagues, managers, and subordinates. They are willing to listen to other's perspectives and ideas and are not afraid to speak up when they have something to contribute. Engaged employees understand that effective communication is critical to the success of the organization and are willing to put in the effort to make it happen.


They are eager to be involved (always)

Engaged employees are also highly collaborative. They understand the value of teamwork and are willing to work closely with their colleagues to achieve common goals. They are eager to share their knowledge and expertise with others and are receptive to feedback from their colleagues. They understand that their success is tied to the success of their team and the organization as a whole.


They find ways to learn and grow (doing things differently)

Another key characteristic of engaged employees is their willingness to learn and grow. They are always looking for ways to improve their skills and knowledge and are open to feedback and coaching from their managers. They are not afraid to take on new challenges and are willing to step outside their comfort zone to learn and grow.


Highly motivated and driven

Engaged employees are also highly motivated. They have a strong desire to succeed and are willing to put in the effort to make it happen. They are not content with mediocrity but instead strive for excellence in everything they do. They set high standards for themselves and are willing to put in the extra effort required to achieve them.


They keep pushing for excellence

In addition to being motivated, engaged employees are also resilient. They understand that setbacks and failures are a natural part of the learning and growth process and are willing to bounce back from them. They have a positive attitude and a growth mindset that allows them to see challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement.


They embrace change

Engaged employees are also highly adaptable. They understand that the world is constantly changing and are willing to adjust to new circumstances and challenges. They are not set in their ways and are eager to embrace new ideas and ways of doing things. They are not afraid of change but, instead, see it as an opportunity for growth and improvement.


They know their limits and will say no (when you least expect it)

Finally, engaged employees are committed to their own well-being. They understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and prioritize their physical and mental health. They are unwilling to sacrifice their well-being for the sake of their job and understand that a healthy employee is a more productive employee.


In conclusion, engaged employees are passionate, committed, communicative, collaborative, growth-oriented, motivated, resilient, adaptable, and committed to their own well-being. These characteristics are critical to the success of any organization, and managers and leaders need to cultivate an environment that promotes employee engagement. By doing so, they will not only increase productivity and performance but also create a more positive and fulfilling work environment for everyone involved.


Be careful with what you wish for because they are not quiet, reserved, passive, conforming and compliant with everything they are told to do.


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