Motivate a Lazy Coworker by Asking for Their Opinion
At some point, you’ve probably dealt with a colleague who isn’t pulling along. Their incompetence can affect you, and you are tempted to complain, criticize or reproach them. But for a more productive result, ask them to share ideas.
Let’s say you’re leading a project and a team member is constantly missing deadlines and doesn’t seem to be putting in a lot of effort. Asking their ideas or feedback on the project may encourage them to become more involved. Muse’s Aja Frost explains:
I quickly discovered that anger, while rewarding, did not motivate my employees. Instead, they will defend and resent. I had to change tactics. That’s when I discovered the magic question: What ideas do you have for … (finish this on time, calm the client, respond to the client, improve things in the future, what else do you think it takes to fix what you screwed up)?
Results: One employee admitted frankly that she hadn’t put in enough effort and then went on to describe exactly what needed to be done. I have used this tactic too with good results. One day I thought I was the only person doing any kind of work on a massive group project in my office. Instead of complaining to the manager or taking offense at the whole thing, I asked my colleague what she thought about some of the details of the project. She will respond and then agree to take on these tasks.
I think it works because it doesn’t make the other person feel like they need to defend themselves. In addition, they may not be incompetent – they may just have a hard time getting the job done. Opening a dialogue in this way gives them the opportunity to explain what may not be working for them.
This is a gentle reminder that their efforts are important and perhaps they could have done more. Of course it won’t work in every situation, but it’s a good start.
For more details, check out The Muse’s full post.
Is the co-worker relaxing? Don’t be angry – Ask this question | Muse