We're all familiar with the stats that tell us more than 70 percent of the workforce is disengaged, and the potentially devastating impact those numbers will have on our businesses.

As a result, companies are sending out an engagement S.O.S. call, seeking highly paid consultants who can assist them in finding way to engage their people. I know because it’s often a reason that I am brought in.

However, even though adding ping-pong tables, video lounges and yoga classes may encourage your people to stick around a little longer, it does little in upgrading the level of engagement.

Maybe we need to take a deep enough look at what "disengaged" actually means?

Right now, let yourself think about a time when you were fully engaged with something. As you remember that moment, you will no doubt remember that the state of engagement is not just a mental focus, it was also a deeply emotional state. When we are fully engaged, we deeply care and are in that emotional state.

It's easy to say that our workforces are distracted, but what about those who lead?

"Shiny Object Syndrome" (S.O.S.)

When a person is constantly distracted by external factors in order to avoid looking internally at what drives their behaviors.

S.O.S. is just as prevalent in those who lead as it is in those being lead. The only difference is the willingness to admit it.

When it comes to leadership, not only are we less likely to admit our own disengagement, but by virtue of being in denial, we are also less likely to do what it takes to effectively become engaged. In fact, we may label doing this kind of internal work as woo-woo.

The cure for S.O.S. cannot be found on the surface. However, some leaders tend to think of asking ourselves deep and meaningful questions as being a little too esoteric and out of touch with business.

The fact is, asking yourself the kinds of questions that reveal what's going on under the surface might b the ultimate business strategy in that it allows us to remove distraction and become mentally and emotionally engaged at the highest levels.

Discovering what's really driving us allows us to become aligned in all our endeavors. Furthermore, doing this also takes us from pursuing what so often becomes empty success, and on to a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.

I put it to you that as a leader of self and a leader of others, your life is worth examining! The cornerstone of great authentic leadership is deep self-knowledge.

If we are willing to accept this as true, then it is not only valuable, but vital that you take a sincere look at the meaning of your life.

Try asking yourself this one question over and over and write out whatever comes up:

What actions or behaviors might I be avoiding that would allow me to fully step into my own greatness and serve more effectively?

I trust that you found this article valuable, if so, feel free to send this to your friends. I eagerly anticipate your feedback and comments.