Compliant Employees vs. Committed Employees – How to Tell the Difference

What is the difference between a good manager and a great manager? The answer lies in the level of commitment of their staffers. According to a LinkedIn article, the most important thing a manager can do is provide a supportive environment that motivates workers to take initiative and excel in their work rather than just follow the minimum requirements.

Think about your employees; do they always put their best foot forward, or do they toe the line?

When it comes to measuring quality output, distinguishing compliant and committed employees can help you rate the leadership performance in your office and know how to motivate your team.

Study these scenarios and characteristics of a compliant versus committed staff member. Compare your office environment to the descriptions, and take note of the areas you want to improve to create a driven, self-motivated team.

Compliant Employees…

• Follow the rules and procedures, but don’t understand why they are important.
• Work hard, but often only do enough to meet the minimum requirement.
• Work out of obligation rather than willingness.
• Rarely contribute to the conversation during meetings.
• Rarely ask if there is more they can do.
• Act committed rather than being committed.
• Must be kept under pressure to perform well.
• When the manager is gone, they wait for someone to tell them what to do rather than taking initiative.
• When new changes occur within the office, they simply modify their work pattern to follow the new objectives.
• In group settings, a compliant worker will accomplish his or her task, but rarely seek additional assignments.
• During a typical workday, they will go through the motions and dutifully perform their work.
• When dealing with a customer, they may appear “fake,” unenthusiastic, or uninterested.

Committed Employees…

• Love what they do.
• Are self-motivated- live by an inner success attitude.
• Anticipate problems and think of creative solutions.
• Ask questions.
• Approach new challenges with a positive, confident attitude.
• Express determination to see assignments through.
• Are often big-picture thinkers because they see the greater benefit of what they are doing.
• Seek ways to learn new skills and expand their experience.
• Put out their best work, often exceeding expectations.
• When the manager is gone, committed workers take initiative to meet the needs they see, keeping the pressure on themselves rather than waiting to be told what to do.
• When new changes occur within the office, committed employees view it as necessary to the success of the company.
• In group settings, a committed worker invests in the overall achievement of the group, motivates the team, and puts his or her heart into the project.
• During a typical workday, he or she will engage in meeting conversations and often stays late until goals are met.
• When dealing with a customer, committed workers are enthusiastic and helpful; they seek to meet the customer’s individual needs rather than simply provide answers.

When your office leadership inspires others to strive for a committed rather than compliant work ethic, you will likely find your team far exceeding your expectations. However, leadership is never an individual action. Leaders are only great when they have an excellent team of leaders (not mindless followers) backing them. At The Lee Group, we are a group of committed recruiters dedicated to delivering outstanding employees and managers to fill your staff. Contact us today to speak with one of our consultants