Monday Blues: Motivating Staff with Conflicting Priorities

Mondays often come with a long list of competing demands. As leaders and managers know the challenge: how do you motivate staff when we all have different (and sometimes clashing) priorities? The answer rarely lies in pushing harder—it lies in soft skills.

1. Active Listening first thing on a Monday

When priorities conflict, staff often feel unheard. Taking the time to listen actively—paraphrasing back what’s been said, acknowledging frustrations, and asking clarifying questions—can immediately lower resistance. People are more likely to collaborate when they feel valued.

2. Empathy and Perspective-Taking

Motivation dips when individuals feel their workload or challenges are invisible. Empathy helps managers understand the “why” behind a team member’s resistance. A simple statement like “I can see this deadline is putting pressure on your other commitments” opens the door to problem-solving rather than pushback.

3. Clear and Transparent Communication

Conflicting priorities often stem from a lack of clarity. Be open about organisational goals and explain how each task links to them. When employees see how their efforts fit into the bigger picture, motivation naturally rises.

4. Negotiation Conflicting Priorities

Motivating staff doesn’t always mean demanding compliance. It’s about creating solutions that balance priorities fairly. Negotiation—revisiting deadlines, re-allocating tasks, or adjusting expectations—signals respect and builds trust.

5. Positive Framing

Reframing conflicts as opportunities for collaboration rather than obstacles fosters resilience. For example, shifting from “We don’t have enough time” to “Let’s prioritise what delivers the most impact” helps staff focus on outcomes instead of stress.

6. Recognition and Encouragement

Amid competing demands, people need to know their contributions matter. Recognising effort—even in small wins—keeps morale up and reinforces commitment.

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