Project Failure Files: The Festering Sore of Disengagement

In Episode 70 of the Project Failure Files weekly webcast, our focus was “Letting Disengagement Linger,” in which Sharon and I discuss how disengagement rarely shows up with flashing lights. Instead, it drifts in as missed enthusiasm, quiet meetings, and minimal ownership. This episode names that drift for what it is—a project risk—and separates short-term fatigue from sustained apathy that erodes quality, creativity, and trust. Left alone, disengagement spreads, pulling even your highest performers toward “check-the-box” behavior.

Sharon and I attempt to lay out a practical framework for addressing disengagement: read the room through pulse checks and genuine 1:1s; rekindle interest by reconnecting tasks to the mission; act as a credible cheerleader who celebrates small wins and specific contributions; and reset the environment by addressing negativity, clarifying roles, and tuning workload.

Our message is clear — recognition isn’t confetti. It’s fuel when it’s specific, timely, and consistent. Leaders set the tone, so the fix starts with a mirror. You need to build habitual recognition into meetings, rotate facilitators to refresh energy, and link individual goals to outcomes people can see. Do these small things consistently and teams stay engaged even when the road gets steep.

Enjoy the episode!

We’re taking a break next week for the holidays, but be sure to tune in on Monday, December 29th at 9am Pacific for the latest episode of our weekly series. Hope you can join us on our NEW YouTube channel (please subscribe!), or find us on LinkedIn.