I’ve Got an Unmotivated Mary on My Team…And I’d Like to Smack ‘Em
At a recent speaking event, an audience member asked me, "What's one way to motivate people? I’ve got a few unmotivated Mary’s on my team and I'd love to smack'em..." Although it wasn’t the focus of our session, the question really struck a chord. My response was a bit unexpected but deeply resonant: "What unused potential are you leaving on the table?"
Unmotivated individuals often feel underutilized—like their potential is being ignored, or worse, that no one cares. And when people feel unseen, their drive naturally wanes. This is a missed opportunity for everyone involved.
My realization of how motivation is closely tied to feeling valued came from an unlikely moment early in my leadership career. I had 65 direct reports, and we hadn’t yet hired a Supervisor to help manage the team. I was overwhelmed, trying to get to know each person and understand the roles they played.
It dawned on me that I needed to ask questions—simple as that might sound. I needed a quick, meaningful way to learn about each team member. So, I handed out a sheet titled, "Lisa wants to know…" because, let’s be honest, we don’t always get the chance to dig deep in daily conversations (and a fairy wasn’t going to be dolling out more hours in the day anytime soon).
I made sure to give context as to WHY I was asking these questions – I am working hard to learn about the team, the roles, and all of you, but I need help from you! I want you to know what you think, what you care about, the talents you possess, and what unused potential you see!
The questions were straightforward but revealing:
What’s your favorite part of your job?
What’s your least favorite part?
What’s one thing I should know about you that hasn’t come up in conversation?
Do you have any hidden talents or potential we haven’t tapped into?
The responses were eye-opening. One team member at our clinic’s front desk shared that she had experience writing curriculums for daycares—completely unrelated to healthcare, right? But that hidden talent became invaluable when we needed to redesign our training manuals. With a little creativity (and some clever scheduling), we brought her skills into the project, leading to one of the most successful initiatives I’ve ever led.
So, here’s my challenge to you: What hidden potential is lying dormant within your team, your organization, or even in yourself? Are you being curious? Asking the right questions to uncover it?
It might require a bit more effort on your part, but the payoff is big. When people feel seen, heard, and valued for their unique abilities, their motivation—and your results—can skyrocket.
Think about it: What untapped talents are you missing out on? What potential is going to waste simply because it hasn’t been uncovered yet?
Let’s start being curious and ask questions that unlock the potential that’s just waiting to be utilized.
Find this blog helpful? Be sure to share it with a friend!
Or, want blog posts like this delivered to your email each week (no spam, I promise)? Click here to sign up
コメント