When you start managing a new team, it’s going to take time to build trust. Initially, your direct reports may be hesitant to be honest with you about their interests, goals, and challenge areas. So, how can you encourage people to open up about how they’re feeling about work and what might be impacting their motivation?

• You can help motivate your team members by aligning their interests with their tasks. Ask yourself: What do my direct reports actually care about at work? During you one-on-one meetings ask: “What activities do you feel you can do endlessly and never seem to run out of energy?” Try to talk for only 20% of the time, and listen for the other 80%.
• If you learn that your team member is struggling significantly or feels apathetic about several aspects of their role, approach them with compassion. Share a story about when you were in a similar position and how you handled it. This will help build trust and encourage them to open up to you. Then, you can solve the issue together and reignite their drive.
• It’s okay if someone isn’t ready to be honest with you about their work and how they feel about it. Be patient. By staying the course, you’re showing them that you genuinely are concerned and want to help them uncover what motivates them.