The Search For True Motivations

Problem

A direct report approached me, as they wanted to switch teams. This person's current job required them to deal with ad-hoc style work and they wanted instead to focus on long-term goals and projects.

Actions taken

We discussed their motivations behind why they wanted a focus switch, and it quickly became clear they wanted to make the switch because they felt that they had a lack of ownership over their long-term goals. In addition, they felt that lacked mastery in terms of having the ability and time to learn new skills.

"They felt that they had a lack of ownership over their long-term goals."

"They felt that lacked mastery in terms of having the ability and time to learn new skills."

We worked on a plan to get my direct report involved in meatier projects while still balancing their ad-hoc work in a 2-weeks on, 2-weeks off rotation. The person was receptive to it, and enjoyed the new types of projects. I came up with the idea on my own, by thinking about what my reports intrinsic motivation factors were, and why they felt a switch was important.

Lessons learned

What often appears to be a lack of motivation, can sometimes actually be attributed to a lack of ownership or purpose.