The Silent Saboteurs: When Disengagement Becomes a Business Threat!

Had a catch-up call yesterday with a business associate of mine. She filled me in on a project she’s working on — trying to help turn around a company that’s in a mess. She was after my thoughts on a few things… 

Long story short, the company — a big multinational — is in disarray. Leadership’s lost at sea, especially the CEO, totally disconnected from what’s actually happening on the ground. Not the best Had a catch-up call yesterday with a business associate of mine. She filled me in on a project she’s working on — trying to help turn around a company that’s in a mess. She was after my thoughts on a few things… combo: on an ego trip of note, very well-paid, totally out of touch. Meanwhile, the team’s exhausted. Most of the ambitious folks have already moved on, and those left are either hanging in there or just coasting, drawing a cheque.

So, here’s the thing - A disengaged workforce is more than just unproductive — it's dangerous. When both leaders and team members stop caring, it’s like watching a ship sink while the crew leans on the rails, arms folded. There’s no urgency, no ownership, and no loyalty. In this kind of culture, mediocrity thrives, and accountability vanishes.

This kind of disengagement often tracks back up the wire to leadership — unclear direction, a lack of purpose, poor communication, or internal politics. When leaders stop showing up in a meaningful way, others usually follow suit. People stop speaking up, ideas dry up, and the customer experience takes a hit. Worse, some may quietly cheer on the downfall, believing the company’s failure will validate their own cynicism.

The danger? By the time leadership realises the guano has truly hit the fan, the smell has run deep and wide — Trust is eroded. Talent walks. Reputation fades. And the company becomes a cautionary tale — not because it lacked potential, but because too many people stopped caring. In essence, the company starts to eat itself alive from the inside out…

Comments, thoughts welcomed, as always.

MC