According to a Gallup poll conducted in 2013 called “State…
““According to a Gallup poll conducted in 2013 called “State of the American Workplace,” when our bosses completely ignore us, 40 percent of us actively disengage from our work. If our bosses criticize us on a regular basis, 22 percent of us actively disengage. Meaning, even if we’re getting criticized, we are actually more engaged simply because we feel that at least someone is acknowledging that we exist! And if our bosses recognize just one of our strengths and reward us for doing what we’re good at, only 1 percent of us actively disengage from the work we’re expected to do.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Recognition, even if critical, boosts engagement; acknowledgment of existence matters more than praise, while highlighting strengths dramatically reduces disengagement.
In simple terms: Being noticed, even negatively, keeps people involved; praising strengths cuts disengagement.
Seek regular, sincere feedback and highlight strengths.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- performance reviews
- coaching sessions
- project debriefs
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What type of acknowledgment motivates you most?
- How can leaders give honest feedback without disengaging staff?
Overemphasis on criticism can harm morale if not balanced with constructive support.