How do you motivate employees who are too comfortable?
Half of the challenges brought to the table at the latest B4 People Ecosystem were about motivation. We focused specifically on what to do about employees who are under-performing and who aren’t motivated to change.
And that’s where the magic started… people from a range of roles, size of business and industries collaborating to provide practical ideas to take away and resolve a common problem.
Starting with an interrogation of the situation that ensured we understood it, we moved into an exploration of potential solutions. Some of those included:
- Asking the individual which aspects of their role they are motivated by, good at and want to do more of (as well as the opposite). Are there opportunities to get involved in more tailored activities? What are that individual’s aspirations?
- The team collectively clarifying where the company is going, what is needed to get there, and every individual’s role in that. As a weekly discussion point, it holds people to account and identifies where support (or calling out poor performance) is needed.
It’s meaningful when we can share our experience and insights to support others and walk away from a meeting with different ways of thinking and operating. Here is what some people said:
- It was helpful considering the questions to ask to better understand the problem to identify strategies. I realise previously I’ve jumped to solutions before taking a step back.
- There are lots of solutions to work with from different people that moves us away from our own train of thought.
- It is good to reflect on the different experiences and expectations of employees and leaders who may be motivated by different factors, and by they buy in to their own measure of ‘success’.
Duncan Targett’s session on developing a talent philosophy brought clarity to performance, behaviour, differentiation, transparency and accountability. That helped pull together the problem-solving discussion and as one participant said, ‘it helped me join the dots’.
Do you want to be part of our next session to learn new ideas and develop different approaches to bringing out the best in your people? Look out for the next People Ecosystem invite coming from B4 soon or contact richard@b4-business.com to be added to the B4 People Ecosystem directory.
Written by Lisa LLoyd of It’s Time for Change (www.itstimeforchange.co.uk)
More in People
10 Reasons why Deeper Business Connections Help to Build Trust
Deeper business connections offer a range of significant benefits that can contribute to long-term success. Developing deeper connections in business is not just about transactional benefits but about creating a network of support that nurtures growth, collaboration, and resilience. At B4, we help businesses make connections and build relationships. Some of our Members have been with us for well over 15 years as being part of a trusted community of people and organisations that understand the value of trust is a crucial part of their network building strategy.
Exciting January Events for B4 Members: A Great Start to 2025
January 2025 promises an exhilarating line-up of events for B4 Members, offering opportunities to connect, celebrate, and be inspired. With three unique gatherings, B4 Members can look forward to forging meaningful connections, experiencing rich cultural traditions, and engaging with influential figures in the local community. Here’s a closer look at what’s in store:
Spotlight on Helen Fallon: Driving Success in Recruitment and Beyond
Helen Fallon, the dynamic Managing Director of Global CTS Ltd, is a cornerstone of the B4 community, bringing unparalleled expertise and infectious enthusiasm to every endeavour. With over 25 years of experience in the recruitment industry, Helen’s approach combines practicality, innovation, and sincerity—qualities that have earned her widespread respect among her peers and clients alike. It’s also gained her a unique accolade being named the first Raise Founding Partner – see more below.
From this author
B4 Welcomes MOTION3
Welcome to B4, Chris Smith and the team from MOTION3, a video agency near Oxford that specialises in creating high-impact visual content for businesses and organisations.
The Importance of Storytelling – How It Can Help Your Business
By sharing your business story thoughtfully, you show potential customers that you’re not just another company trying to sell something, but a trusted partner with a history and purpose. In a world of ‘fake news’ and scams, it’s important for every business to demonstrate its authenticity.
10 Reasons why Deeper Business Connections Help to Build Trust
Deeper business connections offer a range of significant benefits that can contribute to long-term success. Developing deeper connections in business is not just about transactional benefits but about creating a network of support that nurtures growth, collaboration, and resilience. At B4, we help businesses make connections and build relationships. Some of our Members have been with us for well over 15 years as being part of a trusted community of people and organisations that understand the value of trust is a crucial part of their network building strategy.