Are You Ready to Reset?

Written by Randy Mayes

I recently finished reading Reset by Dan Heath, a well-researched and insightful book that challenges the way we think about motivation at work. One of the key takeaways is that the most motivating thing for employees is making progress toward a meaningful goal. That makes sense to me. But if I’m honest, many of the leaders I work with would push back on that idea.

They look around and see employees who don’t seem motivated at all. They set clear goals, communicate expectations, and yet, the engagement just isn’t there. It’s frustrating because, from the leader’s perspective, these goals should matter. But here’s the disconnect: people are always focused on what matters to them.

That’s the reality we need to embrace as leaders. No amount of enthusiasm, persuasion, or pressure will get people to care about something they don’t personally value. You can sing, dance, tell, sell, and yell, but if it doesn’t matter to them, it won’t happen.

Your Job Isn’t to Motivate—It’s to Create a Motivating Environment

One of the biggest misconceptions in leadership is that it’s our job to motivate people. But motivation doesn’t come from the outside—it’s an inside job. You can’t force it. You can’t manufacture it. The best you can do is create the conditions where it can thrive.

So what does that look like? It starts with clarity. People need to understand the bigger picture—where the organization is going and why it matters. They need to feel heard, valued, and included in shaping the future. Leadership isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about engaging people in a Shared Purpose.

What People Want Most

At the core, every person wants three things:

• Self-worth—the belief that they have something valuable to contribute
• Dignity—being treated with respect, no matter their role
• A sense of belonging—knowing they are part of something bigger than themselves

When leaders create an environment where these needs are met, motivation takes care of itself. People want to be part of something meaningful. They want to make progress. But they have to see how their work connects to something that resonates with them personally. At DRYVE, we call this a Shared Purpose.

Let’s Build a Culture Where Motivation Thrives

If your organization is struggling with engagement, retention, or productivity, the answer isn’t to push harder—it’s to lead differently. We help leaders create environments where people feel valued, connected, and motivated to bring their best every day. Let’s talk about how we can make that a reality in your organization. Reach out, and let’s build a culture where people want to contribute—because it matters to them.