About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of progress and purpose in employee engagement and how leaders can address burnout effectively.

Many leaders are trying to solve burnout with more inspiration, when their teams may actually need clearer progress. In this episode, GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft talks with Chris McChesney, author of The 4 Disciplines of Execution , about the difference between employee satisfaction and true engagement. Chris explains why people can have what looks like an ideal job and still feel disconnected from the work, while others can serve in demanding environments and remain deeply motivated. The difference often comes down to progress and purpose. Through practical examples from manufacturing, creative work, ministry and leadership, Chris helps leaders understand how to create a "winnable, high-stakes game" for their teams. This conversation will help leaders translate big vision into visible wins, address burnout with greater clarity and give their people something meaningful to move toward.

People in this episode

Host: David Ashcraft

Guest: Chris McChesney

Topics covered

• motivation
• employee engagement
• burnout
• leadership
• purpose
• progress

Keywords

• motivation
• employee satisfaction
• leadership
• burnout

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The 4 Disciplines of Execution

More episodes of The Global Leadership Podcast

• Ep 213: Our Favorite Moments, Spring 2026—Four Leadership Lessons for Uncertain Seasons (with Whitney Putnam and Eric Case) · July 15, 2026 · 30 min
• Ep 212: Why Productivity Starts with Clarity (with David Ashcraft) · July 8, 2026 · 22 min
• Ep 211: On Calling, Counsel and Courageous No's (with Priscilla Shirer) · June 17, 2026 · 38 min
• Ep 209: Communication, Candor and Trust (with David Ashcraft) · June 3, 2026 · 27 min
• Ep 208: Leading When the Plan Falls Apart with Craig Groeschel · May 20, 2026 · 45 min
• Ep 207: Leading Through Leadership Hijacks with Edgar Sandoval · May 13, 2026 · 50 min

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