Rallying the Reluctant: Practical Strategies for Leading the Unmotivated, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article explores how leaders can reignite motivation and engagement among their employees. It first examines common causes of diminished workplace drive, including role ambiguity, lack of autonomy, insufficient performance feedback, social isolation, and skills-role mismatches. The article then presents evidence-based guidance and real-world examples to help leaders address these underlying issues. Strategies include clarifying job responsibilities, empowering shared decision-making, providing meaningful feedback, cultivating collaborative cultures, and aligning employee skills with challenging work. By understanding the roots of disengagement and applying these practical solutions, the article argues that leaders can spark enthusiasm across their organizations, enabling high performance through an engaged, thriving workforce.