“Feeling Demotivated? Consider How Your Job Helps Others.,” by John Coleman

Tue 06 Sept 2022 

Remind Your Team That Their Work Has Impact

One often-overlooked way to motivate employees is to encourage them to consider how their job helps others. To nudge your team into this transformational mindset shift, turn their attention to one—or more—of these key groups their work may be serving each day. Clients or customers. Look for ways to make your employees' impact more tangible than just revenue and profit. Collect testimonials to share with your team, invite customers or clients to speak at meetings, and keep a running list of real people positively affected by your products or services. Colleagues. Ask your team: What would it look like if we all decided to serve each other the same way we serve clients or customers? Brainstorming around this question will lead to a culture of encouragement, support, and compassion. Community. Think about your organization's broader context. What opportunities does your team have to serve your community right now? Encourage and incentivize your employees to engage in these opportunities. Loved ones. Even on hard days, remind your team to take comfort in the fact that their work is an act of service to those they love—whether it's families they're supporting, people they're providing care for, or charitable works they're contributing to.

This tip is adapted from “Feeling Demotivated? Consider How Your Job Helps Others.,” by John Coleman