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Sex and doom. They sell.
So of course, it’s phrases like “The Great Resignation” and “The Great Detachment” that make headlines. (Doom, not sex).
And while these may accurately reflect our collective experience of the workplace right now, they’re a little…dark.
I’d love us to focus on the light.The opportunity – to redefine the workplace. To craft experiences that are positive and that drive stronger performance.
The workplace, and our collective experience of it, could surely use a tune-up. We know it. But we’re doing it wrong. We need a fresh approach.
So how about we commit to the Great Reactivation?
If you’re in, let’s talk tactics…
The Role of Leaders in Reactivating the Workplace
Reacting to workplace challenges with one-size-fits-all solutions only perpetuates frustration. Instead, leaders must:
Observe and Listen:
Ask your teams:
- What’s working?
- What’s getting in the way?
- What would help you feel more effective and connected?
Start Small:
Change doesn’t have to be big. The smallest experiment—one tweak to a process, one shift in a priority—can spark momentum.
Experiment and Iterate:
Try something new. Did it help? Adjust. Did it fail? Learn. Co-create solutions with your team in real time.
This isn’t about having all the answers upfront. It’s about building trust, adaptability, and shared accountability along the way.
Let the Pillars of Activation Guide Your Discovery
The Deliver, Develop, Connect, Thrive framework is your map—not a to-do list. It points you toward where to look and why it matters:
Deliver: Are your teams set up to get their best work done? Look for where work feels harder than it should. Where are processes clunky? Where is clarity missing? Help your team remove those barriers.
Develop: Are people growing, building skills your company needs? Ask where employees feel stuck or stagnant. Growth doesn’t have to come from big initiatives—it happens in small moments, like tackling a new challenge or learning from peers.
Connect: Are people feeling trust, like their voices matter? Notice where isolation or detachment is creeping in. Small, intentional actions build belonging—like involving people in decisions that affect them or celebrating their contributions.
Thrive: Is well-being supported? Watch for signs of burnout. Where are workloads unsustainable? Where do people feel guilty about taking breaks? Create space for balance without sacrificing results.
Each pillar invites you to explore opportunities, not prescribe solutions.
Making the Framework Work for You
Here’s how to bring this to life:
Pick One Area to Explore Start small. Choose one pillar—Deliver, Develop, Connect, or Thrive—and focus your attention there.
Co-create with Your Team Involve your people in the process. Ask questions. Test assumptions. Experiment together. Co-creation builds trust and ensures solutions are meaningful.
Embrace Agility Over Perfection The goal isn’t a perfectly polished plan—it’s progress. Take one small step, learn from it, and adjust as you go.
This Is a Movement, Not a Quick Fix
The Great Workplace Reactivation isn’t about solving everything at once. It’s about creating momentum through curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Letting increments of positive change accumulate over time.
By focusing on what matters most—and involving your team every step of the way—you can build a workplace where engagement and performance thrive.
Related: Decision Rights: The Challenge Without the Real Problem