09/15/2026
When a great employee or volunteer suddenly stops performing, the biggest mistake a leader can make is assuming:
**“They just don’t care anymore.”**
High performers usually don’t become disengaged overnight.
Something changed.
Maybe they’re overwhelmed.
Maybe expectations became unclear.
Maybe they stopped feeling appreciated.
Maybe there’s conflict nobody knows about.
Maybe they’ve been carrying more than anyone realized.
Before you correct the performance, **get curious about the person.**
Have the conversation.
Try:
**“I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately. Is there something getting in the way that we need to talk about?”**
That one question can uncover what another warning, meeting, or performance conversation never will.
Great leadership isn’t ignoring accountability.
It’s understanding **what changed before deciding what’s wrong.**
Leaders: have you ever watched one of your BEST people suddenly start checking out? 👀
🔗 [linktr.ee/cqg2004](https://linktr.ee/cqg2004?utm_source=chatgpt.com)