A look into the day of a highly engaged employee
Disclaimer: This is a true story, but all names referred to have been changed to protect their identities.
The sun shone through my bedroom window, and the birds were chirping their morning song. I stretched my arms wide and let out a big yawn, ready to take on the day.
Most mornings, I’d hit the snooze button and drag myself out of bed, but not back then.
I was excited to get to the office and tackle our latest project.
As I made my coffee and breakfast, I thought about the impact our work had.
We were developing a new software product and the technology to track companies’ affiliate marketing campaigns, and I felt lucky to be part of it.
As the person writing the online help system for this innovative new product, I knew my contribution mattered, and it kept me engaged.
I couldn’t wait to see what we would accomplish that day.
Understanding Our Purpose
When I arrived at the office, I stopped by my manager’s desk
“Hey Steve, got a minute?” He nodded and I sat down. “I was wondering if you could remind me how the new product rollout tied into our longer term goals?”
Steve launched into an explanation of our company strategy and where this project fitted in.
I took notes, feeling reinvigorated and understanding the bigger picture.
We discussed potential challenges and brainstormed a couple of solutions for the help system.
Leaving his office, I had renewed clarity on how my work advanced our mission.
Feeling Valued and Competent
At our stand up meeting, I shared updates and garnered feedback from teammates.
Joan noticed the elegant solution I had come up with and praised my skills.
I beamed, proud of my progress.
Our boss, Sandra, closed by noting everyone’s contributions, making us all feel seen.
Later, Sandra pulled me aside.
“I was impressed with your initiative on this. Let’s discuss expanding your role – I think you are ready for more.”
I couldn’t contain my excitement!
Knowing my talent was recognised kept the fire burning.
Welcoming New Ideas
During lunch in the break room, my co-worker Mark had an idea.
“What if we added this tracking feature to the Campaign Manager part of the product — could you get that feature added into the help system today, Keith?
It could really enhance the user experience.”
We brainstormed possibilities, building on each other’s thoughts.
I brought the concept to my group.
“Mark had an interesting proposal earlier – I think it was worth exploring.”
Everyone engaged constructively.
By day’s end, we had a solid plan to improve the product, all thanks to Mark sharing his perspective.
This company thrives on collaborative creativity.
Fostering Positive Energy
The vibe in the office was upbeat and supportive.
My teammates were like family – we celebrated each other’s successes and lent helping hands.
Our manager led with compassion.
Just then, Susan burst into laughter at her desk.
We asked what was so funny—apparently her kid had a hilarious thing happen at school that morning.
Soon we were all in stitches, sharing our own amusing tales to lighten the mood.
Fun moments like this energised us to power through tough stretches on the project.
Learning and Growing
At the end of the week, we wrapped up with an educational session.
Sandra presented on trending technologies and how they might inform our future strategies.
Questions flew as we debated applications.
The never-ending learning thrilled me.
Staying on the cutting edge and taking on new roles ensured work stayed stimulating.
With opportunities to develop, I felt energised about my career path there.
Exhibiting Leadership with Integrity
Sandra led with a steady hand.
She listened without judgement, admitted mistakes, and acted with empathy.
In meetings, she welcomed diverse viewpoints, weaving them into wise decisions.
Her authenticity built trust that motivated high performance.
We were lucky to have such an exemplary role model.
Under her guidance, our tight-knit team worked harmoniously towards a shared vision.
I was motivated each day to emulate her stellar leadership.
Staying True to Myself
Despite busy schedules, my co-workers took time to connect.
During breaks, we chatted about weekends away, favourite music, or what was trending on ‘Face Ache’ (ahem, I mean Facebook).
Sharing the personal side of what we were ‘up to’ outside of work strengthened our bonds and relief from the ‘daily grind’ (for some of the contractors in our team — mentioning no names).
Joan and I had been friends for years.
While our styles and tasks varied, I always felt she uplifted me, even when I seemed ‘hell bent’ on yet another quirky idea.
Knowing I didn’t need to pretend in front of her, allowed me to do some of my best work.
I was energised to contribute authentically alongside a supportive crew.
Feeling Fulfilled
As I left the office that Friday, I felt I had accomplished a lot.
We had achieved measurable progress yet left room to grow.
With a sense of purpose, appreciation of my role, and an encouraging team, each day flew by meaningfully.
Most importantly, I woke up the next Monday eager to get back to work with people I genuinely enjoyed.
That was the best motivation—achieving goals alongside friends while helping others.
I was lucky to have found fulfillment in my career at a progressive company!
Thanks for reading…
If you enjoyed reading my story, please highlight any parts you think other readers would find interesting. Don’t forget to leave your comments about what you thought of this story.
Consider following me here on Medium and subscribing to my stories.
Disclaimer: This is a true story, but all names referred to have been changed to protect their identities.
nom@d learning 
Leave a comment