Ask Pam | How to Motivate an Employee Who's Lost Their Spark

This bi-weekly LinkedIn Newsletter will address common and not-so-common questions leaders and executives, like you, have about the culture of the C-suite.

I've been serving in executive roles, reporting to Boards, CEOs, and Executive Directors since my early 20's. I've seen and experienced quite a bit, but mostly, I've learned a lot. These experiences are what led me to executive coaching.

If you're serving in the C-Suite or are headed in that direction, I'd like to hear from you. It's not often you can find a trusted advisor to answer your most pressing questions - for free. So here I am, let's talk!

This Week's Question:

Dear Pam:

I am an executive who has a direct report who experienced some really great high points in their career. I mean superstar level. Now, just a short time later, their performance is lackluster, barely above average. I'm unsure how to motivate them. Could they have reached the pinnacle of their career? Are they only an average performer, after all?

Maintaining Momentum

This Week's Response:

Dear Maintaining Momentum,

Don't give up on them. Sometimes, we experience career high points, and well, it's tough to come down from a mountain high. Instead, we want to remain up there but become stuck trying to relive that season of glory and become out of balance with the reality of our current situation.?

Have them work with a coach to help them break through the roadblocks while you coach them through the specific work situation. Perhaps they are no longer challenged, or something outside of work has their attention. Have a conversation about what you have noticed. Tell them you don't expect superstardom (you don't, do you?) but that you do want to motivate them to give their best performance. Be all ears and listen to what they have to say. Don't expect a miraculous turnaround after one conversation; it may take several interactions to get at the heart of what's going on, especially if it is deeply personal. They need to trust you enough to share.

Let's hear from others,

-Pam

Have a question you'd like for me to answer? Send it to [email protected]. Remember, your full name and contact details will never be published or distributed.

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