The most important challenge when managing people with low ambition involves motivation. These people may not be motivated by learning opportunities, greater responsibility, or challenging projects; so you need to have a strategy in place to ensure that they stay motivated to deliver high quality work.
Another common challenge involves loyalty and retention. If people have no ambition to build their careers, or to progress through an organization, then they’re more likely to jump ship if they’re not enjoying their work.
▪️Management Strategies
Start by examining your own assumptions about your team members, because your perception affects the way that you behave.
For instance, if you believe that someone is simply coming to work to earn a paycheck, then you may unconsciously adopt an authoritarian management style with them.
▪️Motivational Strategies
Motivation is probably your biggest challenge when it comes to managing people with low-ambition. Without an effective strategy in place, your team members will not be as productive, satisfied, and loyal as they could be.
The following strategies will help.
▪️Get to Know Your Team
It’s important to get to know the individuals within your team. The more you know about their personal lives and goals, the better you’ll be able to structure rewards that keep them motivated.
For instance, a good way to motivate single parents who work part-time might be to offer them flexible working hours, or on-site daycare usually reserved for full-time workers.
▪️Identify People’s Needs
You can identify people’s fundamental needs. This will allow you customize your motivational approach for maximum impact.
For instance, doing what you can to boost people’s confidence can be a great motivator, and can lead to significantly increased productivity.
▪️Increase Job Satisfaction
Eliminate any elements that might be leading to job dissatisfaction.A good example of this would be to get rid of an oppressive company policy such as banning the taking of personal calls at work. Trusting employees by removing these negative elements can build team trust and create loyalty.