"Be More Engaged!" - What That Actually Means

You’re showing up on time. You’re doing your job. You’re answering emails like a good little corporate goblin. But then your manager hits you with:

“We’d love to see more engagement from you.”

Umm. What?

Let’s decode that corporate buzzword — and show you how to go beyond your job without becoming a brown-noser.

What Is “Engagement,” Anyway?

Corporate translation:

“We want you to act like you care about more than your to-do list.”

They’re not asking you to be the office cheerleader. They’re looking for signs you:

• Notice what’s going on around you

• Take initiative and step up, often times beyond what expected of you

• Want the company/team/project to do well — not just yourself

  
  

Step 1: Zoom Out — Then Step Up

Don’t just grind through your tasks. Start looking around like you’re the main character of a workplace documentary.

Ask yourself:

• What’s broken that no one’s fixing?

• What’s happening outside your role that could impact your work?

• Who seems overwhelmed — and can you help them?

• What can be improved that benefits others and myself?

Example: You notice your team’s onboarding doc is trash. You know this because you just started at the company not too long ago, and it provided ZERO help. Fix it. Add tips. Share it. Boom — you just engaged.

Step 2: Do Your Job — Then Add 10%

We’re not telling you to work unpaid overtime. We’re saying: once your job is handled, toss in one extra move. We are saying this: take initiative to find the extra 10% and show that you are aware it exists.

Ideas:

• Clean up a janky spreadsheet

• Anywhere you can find automation in reporting, building dashboards, etc. -- do it.

• Take on the stretch assignments or tasks that are hitting the backburner i.e., labeling all the bins on a the production floor, partnering on new templates the company can utilize.

Bottom line: small efforts = huge perception shift.

 Step 3: Ask to Help Before You're Told

Magic words:

“Hey, I wrapped my stuff early — anything you want me to jump in on?”

Or:

“Saw you’re launching [thing] next week. Want help reviewing it?”

This isn’t kissing up. This is making yourself indispensable.

Step 4: Actually Speak Up Sometimes

You don’t have to be the loudest in the room, but you do have to exist.

Try:

• Dropping one thoughtful comment per meeting

• Asking clarifying questions-- it's ok to use the "I'm new here" card. "Do you mind explaining this to me?"

• DM’ing the meeting lead afterward with a “that part was cool” or “I had a follow-up thought”

Bottom line: Being visible = being remembered.

Red Flag Alert: Don’t Get Played

Engagement ≠ taking on random tasks forever for free. Protect your time and boundaries. Ask for feedback. And if you’re taking on more — track it. That’s your receipts folder for promotions and raises. This is how you measure your success and contribution.

TL;DR:

• “Engagement” = do your job plus a little curiosity and care

• Start with what annoys you — and fix it

• Make things easier for your team, even in small ways

• Speak up. Help out. Be memorable. Glow up.