Conversation Planner · for managers
How to talk to a disengaged employee
Read the approach below, or skip ahead and get a plan written for your own situation.
Plan my conversation — free ↓Why the usual approach fails
The instinct is to wait and hope it passes, or to jump to "are you looking for another job?" Disengagement almost always has a specific start date and a specific cause — a decision they disagreed with, a promise that slipped, a workload change. You find it by describing the change you've seen and then being quiet.
How to open
"I've noticed a change and I'd rather ask than guess. A few months ago you were the first to volunteer and the first to speak up. Lately you've been quieter. Nothing's wrong from my side — I'd just like to understand what's changed for you."
Ask before you tell
- "When did things start to feel different?"
- "What part of the work still has energy for you?"
- "What's one thing I could change that would help?"
What to agree before you leave the room
One concrete change on each side — something you'll fix, something they'll re-engage with — and a date to check how it feels.
Make it yours — free
Edit the details below to match your situation and get a full five-step COACH plan by email.
Other conversations
- How to talk to an employee who isn't a team player →
- How to talk to an employee who complains constantly →
- How to talk to an employee who gossips →
- How to talk to an employee who undermines you →
- How to talk to an employee who resists change →
- How to talk to an overwhelmed employee →
Built on the COACH method by Jon Kludt, Business Coach · Certified EOS Implementer® · thecoachconversation.com