When Good Performance Hides a Bigger Problem

What if your best-performing employees are also some of your most disengaged? Just because the work is getting done doesn't necessarily mean everything is going well. According to Gallup's 2026 State of the Global Workplace Report, only about one-third of American employees are engaged at work. But why should engagement matter if employees are meeting expectations and producing results? In this episode of The Leadership Table, Dr. Jonathan Lotson explores the difference between performance and engagement, the hidden costs of disengagement, and how disconnected managers can influence the people they lead. He also challenges leaders to recognize the difference between disengagement and healthy professional boundaries. Discover three practical strategies for creating an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and connected to the mission without sacrificing their wellbeing. Because sometimes, the biggest leadership challenges aren't found in the work that's not getting done. They're found in what we're overlooking while the work is getting done.