Let me tell you a quick story about a company that was struggling. Sales were down, turnover was high, and morale? Well, it was practically nonexistent. The CEO, frustrated but determined, decided to take a bold step. She gathered every employee—yes, every single one—for a town hall meeting.

Instead of delivering a long-winded speech, she did something unexpected. She asked a question: “What motivates you to come to work every day?” At first, there was silence. Then, one by one, people started sharing. Some talked about their families, others mentioned their passion for helping customers, and a few even spoke about their pride in the company’s mission.

The CEO listened intently. She didn’t interrupt. She didn’t judge. She simply listened.

Afterward, she formed small teams to address the issues employees had raised. They worked on better communication, flexible schedules, and creating opportunities for career growth. Slowly but surely, things began to change.

Within a year, that struggling company became a thriving one. Employee satisfaction skyrocketed, turnover plummeted, and sales hit record highs.

The lesson? Engaged employees aren’t just happy—they’re empowered, invested, and unstoppable. And that starts with one simple act: listening.

So, what’s stopping you from asking, “What motivates you to come to work every day?”