Motivation...

Motivation - or lack thereof - is one of the the biggest challenges I face in my job. Not my own motivation (well, sometimes) but that of my team.

One distributor in a rural area, who has around the highest sales per catalogue, has announced that her town is sick of Homecare, and that she's taking 6 months 'off'. Wouldn't that be nice!!! Unfortunately her sales don't reflect her customers apparent lack of interest - $980 in sales from 75 catalogues dropped/collected. To break it down as far as time spent goes it would have taken 30 mins to prepare catalogues, 2 - 3 hours to deliver + collect the books, 1 to 2 hours to deliver the goods - say 5 - 6 hours work - she will receive $196 commission - an average of $32 per hour. Don't think they pay that at Woolies!!!!

The work may be commission based, but to put in the same amount of work that you would at a 'normal' job would be far more worth it. They just don't see it.
Many seem to work if they have nothing better else to do - say for example they are offered extra hours at their other part time work, they'll do it - Homecare is so often put last - and it shits me!!!!

Our best distributors are active retiree's - the work ethic seems to be totally different amongst the mature crowd, reliability and attention to the little things seem to come more naturally.
So what to do?
Sometimes I could just boil over with frustration!!!! Even after ten years of similar stuff.
I don't pile the pressure on at all, I am understanding, patient and accepting of circumstances.

My senior team are for the most part terrific, but have worked the 'other job' scenario at different times, when their first commitment was to our team.

I have held Christmas in July for my senior team every year for the past few, we are all so busy in December that it's usually too stressful, too rushed and a hard time to all catch up. Having Christmas in July seems to provide that Winter motivation that is needed. We will be getting together next Wednesday, all going well. One has already informed me that he will be working his 'other' job Wednesday, so he'll just have to miss out then!!!

So now, will need to plan the menu! Last year we had three course lunch with pumpkin soup, traditional roast turkey + roast beef and veggies, followed by a strawberry hazelnut gateau and layered ice cream cake. I go as all out as I possibly can to spoil them, and have to make it all myself (my rule!). Maybe I should give them all some red bull or something to fire them up!!! We chit chat about work but there is certainly no agenda involved, after lunch we are usually all very relaxed and laid back.
This time I will take the opportunity to recognise one of my seniors for ten years of service - that will be nice. No idea what to buy him, none at all!!!!!
My ten years with the company came and went without so much as a 'thanks for coming' - that's fine, they'll keep.

Have a great day!!!

G
xxxx