Motivation - Team When Things Are Good: PMI Shorts #12

An Interview with David Womack, Jan Hailey, and Katie Lawrence 

When everything is running smoothly, it might seem that motivation is less of a challenge. However, as discussed in PMI Shorts #12 with David Womack, Jan Hailey, and Katie Lawrence, even in good times, keeping your team inspired is critical to sustained success. Below, we break down the key insights and strategies from their conversation.

Why Motivation Matters in Good Times

Even when operations are cruising along and the day-to-day routines are steady, there’s a risk of complacency. As Katie pointed out, when things are going well, the positive momentum can sometimes mask underlying issues. Team members might:

• Fall into repetitive habits, risking a decline in attention to detail.
• Start cutting corners because the work feels too routine.
• Lose sight of the bigger picture, making it harder to see how their contributions are part of a larger mission.

Maintaining motivation when everything is smooth helps ensure that every team member remains engaged and continues to see their work as meaningful.

The Hidden Dangers of Complacency

David highlighted a common saying in business: “You’re either growing or you’re dying.” When things are consistently good, there’s a subtle danger of becoming complacent. Katie elaborated that:

• Even small lapses—like missing key details in patient care—can have serious consequences.
• Complacency might also lead to turnover; some individuals thrive on the challenge of turning around a struggling situation and may eventually move on when everything becomes too predictable.
• Leaders must be vigilant about the fine line between steady performance and stagnation.

Embracing Strategic Reflection

Good times provide a unique opportunity to step back and plan for the future. Instead of always putting out fires, leaders can use periods of calm to:

• Engage in Strategic Planning: Ask yourself, “Where do I want to be in five years?” Whether it’s for your own growth or for the organization, this reflection can pave the way for meaningful long-term progress.
• Invest in Personal and Professional Development: Set aside time—say, an hour a day—to reflect, learn, and reconnect with literature or industry insights. This intentional strategy helps maintain a balance between busy, reactive work and thoughtful, proactive planning.
• Assess Your Environment: Consider whether it’s time to introduce new services, bring in fresh talent, or develop new programs for your staff. This not only keeps the organization evolving but also prevents employees from feeling stuck.

Fostering Growth Through Community and Connection

Katie also emphasized the importance of community engagement in keeping the team motivated. When employees have opportunities to:

• Build relationships beyond the daily routine,
• Engage in community projects or outreach,
• Form new connections that might benefit the organization down the road,

…they not only enrich their personal lives but also reinforce their commitment to the mission. Even dedicating just 20% of one’s day to activities that fill the “cup” can be a powerful antidote to burnout.

Balancing Productive Busy-ness and Intentional Growth

The conversation concluded with a key insight: there’s a significant difference between being productively busy and being panicked busy. David summed it up well by comparing the two:

• Productively Busy: Moving forward with intentional strategies, building good habits, and fostering new relationships.
• Panicked Busy: Constantly reacting to challenges and putting out fires without planning for the future.

Choosing the former not only keeps the team motivated during good times but also sets the stage for sustainable, long-term growth.

Final Thoughts

Even when everything is going well, continuous motivation is essential. It’s about celebrating the wins while also preparing for future challenges, ensuring that your team stays sharp, engaged, and ready for the next step. By embracing strategic reflection, preventing complacency, and fostering growth both within the organization and in the community, leaders can maintain a vibrant, forward-moving team.

How do you ensure your team stays motivated during smooth times? Share your strategies in the comments below!