Episode
Best-Selling Author and Host Ken Coleman: Stop Motivating Your Team and Start Doing This Instead
- Published
- Feb 17, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2028
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://paychexbusiness.podbean.com/e/thrive-ken-coleman/
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Summary
Forget pizza parties and pep talks — best-selling author and Front Row Seat podcast host Ken Coleman reveals why traditional motivation tactics fail and what actually drives employee engagement. Discover the three human needs that transform retention, productivity, and profitability, plus the two simple questions every leader should ask their team. Ken explains why your job isn’t to motivate anyone and shares his proven framework for helping employees find work they’re “wired to do.” Simplify your business operations. Learn how Paychex can handle your HR and payroll so you can focus on what counts: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Have a topic idea? Share it at https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include:00:00 – Episode preview and guest introduction01:03 – “Wired” for work: The three wires03:58 – Diagnosing misalignment in current role08:18 – Escaping the “miserable but safe” job13:27 – Why change fails17:18 – Extrinsic vs. intrinsic motivation18:26 – What to do if you’re not a natural motivator22:02 – Real-world example: CEO in a cubicle24:08 – Ken’s personal work fit27:23 – What really keeps talent: Three human needs30:22 – Recruiting strategy: You can’t teach hunger32:48 – Wrap up and thank you DISCLAIMER:The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.