Ever work for someone who pushed you toward what they valued, rather than what you did?
I’ll never forget a feedback conversation I had about a year into my role at the CIA. My boss sat me down, and the whole conversation was about what boxes I needed to tick to get promoted quickly.
I’m sure that worked well for a lot of people, but honestly, it missed the mark for me!
At that time, I wasn't motivated by climbing the ladder. I wanted meaningful experiences, travel, a chance to build expertise and a strong network, and to feel like my work had real impact.
That manager never did “get me”, and it wasn’t until I worked with leaders who took the time to understand what actually motivated me that I felt truly supported and did my best work. (Shout out to manager number two who keeps a low profile on here but knows who he is.)
As I now coach leaders and managers, one of the most powerful lessons I help them to understand is that the best leaders take the time to uncover what truly drives each member of their team. When you understand what really motivates the individuals you lead, you can create an environment where they stretch themselves, grow, and do their best work.
If you’re a leader looking to strengthen your team’s performance by truly understanding what makes them tick, let’s connect. I’d love to help you become the kind of leader who brings out the best in others! You can also check out MissionPivot™ for dedicated resources, coaching, and support designed specifically to help transitioning government professionals leverage their leadership skills to build high-performing teams in the private sector.
