REVERSE MOTIVATION

We certainly don’t need lessons on how to de-motivate people; too many people are great at this already. But sometimes an example arises that is too good to be left untold – a true story of how to create reverse motivation.

My friend Keith Selby told me a great story recently about John, the labourer, who is working on the foundations of a new house Keith is having built. John is recently back in the UK. He has spent two years in Mexico with his girlfriend. In fact John  likes to work and then live abroad.

Over two years ago, whilst working in the UK, and just finishing a job, he told his boss, the business owner, Phil, “That’s it – I have had enough – I am not going to do this job any more – I am going to Mexico and I am going to stay there.”

With that, he took off his work jacket and threw it in the skip; took off his boots and threw them in the skip as well. Then John left. Phil said nothing, just watched. Once John had gone he quietly took the jacket and boots out of the skip; then he turned and said to the other guys: “He’ll be back”. He kept John's boots and jackets on and by their usual peg.

And lo! Two years on, John is back – needing money – and phones Phil. Does Phil have any work for him? Yes, come down – he can start tomorrow.

John turns up in the morning. Phil smiles. Points to the peg where John's jacket and boots are.

“There,” he says, “I kept them for you”. So far so good – a thoughtful kind of guy? And then adds, “John, you’re back where you f*g started”.

Great – thanks Phil – that was so helpful.

Make sure when you welcome people back you avoid the ‘Phil effect’!

James