Introduction: Why Teams Lose Their Spark

If you’re a leader, you’ve probably asked yourself:‍
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“Why does my team feel flat? Where did the energy go?”‍

The truth is, teams rarely lose their motivation overnight. It fades one day at a time. Meetings drag. Priorities blur. People stop stretching themselves.‍

What once felt exciting starts to feel routine.‍

That’s why I teach leaders a simple reset: bring back Day One Energy.‍

It’s the optimism, hunger, and commitment people bring on their very first day ... before politics, fatigue, and bureaucracy set in.

The best part? You don’t need a yearlong initiative. You can re-energize your team in just 30 days.‍

Here’s how.

Step 1: Audit the Last 30 Days

If you want better performance in the next month, start by examining the past one.‍Ask your team:‍

-Based on the last 30 days, would our customers immediately choose us again?
-If we had to “rehire” everyone today, would it be an easy yes?
-Would you personally recommit to the goals we say matter?‍

This isn’t about blame , it’s about clarity.‍

Energy leaks come from ignoring reality. When you face it head-on, you give your team a clean slate to reset.

Step 2: Recommit to Core Behaviors

High performance doesn’t start with perks or speeches. It starts with behaviors everyone can see and repeat.

For the next 30 days, challenge your team to recommit to 3 basics:

1. Show up early ... not just on time, but fully present.
2. Do more than expected ... on every task, no matter how small.
3. Bring positive energy ... because attitudes are contagious.

I’ve worked with companies from VISA to McDonald's, and I’ve seen it over and over: when leaders set a higher bar for everyday behaviors, culture changes fast.

Step 3: Create Stretch Moments ("Find The Edge")

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Motivation grows when people feel butterflies again.

Remember the first day of a new role, or the nervous energy before giving a presentation? That’s finding the edge.

In the next 30 days:
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-Give someone a stretch assignment that makes them sweat a little.
-Encourage quiet voices in meetings to speak up.
-Challenge people to share an opinion even when it goes against the group.

If no one feels discomfort, no one is growing.

And if no one is growing, motivation flatlines.

Step 4: Build Allies, Not Thieves

Your culture is contagious. And there are two kinds of people:

-Allies: they lift others, challenge them, make the team better.
-Thieves: they drain energy, bring drama, and lower the bar.

For 30 days, focus on creating a culture of Allies. Celebrate them. Give them the mic. Put them in charge of initiatives.

At the same time, address Thieves directly. Don’t let their energy set the tone for everyone else.

Your team will notice who you spotlight, and they’ll follow that example.

Step 5: Celebrate Wins Loudly

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The fastest way to multiply motivation is recognition.
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Most leaders wait until the end of a project to celebrate. Don’t.

In this 30-day reset, highlight small wins daily and weekly.
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Examples:
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-Shout out a team member who showed up early and prepared.
-Share the story of someone who went above and beyond for a customer.
-Recognize risk-taking, even when it doesn’t lead to immediate success.

What gets celebrated gets repeated. And repeated behaviors shape culture.

A Story From The Stage: Playing to Win vs. Playing Not To Lose

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I’ll never forget the time I told an audience this:
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“Have you ever watched your team come out strong, only to almost lose it in the end? In the first half, they were playing to win. In the second half, they played not to lose.”
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That’s exactly what happens in companies. People start their jobs on fire, then somewhere along the way, they start protecting instead of creating.
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The 30-day Day One Energy reset is about flipping the switch back to playing to win.

What You'll See in 30 Days.

By the end of this reset, expect to see:
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-More eye contact in meetings.
-Fewer phones between people and conversations.
-Higher energy in the room.
-Accountability being spoken out loud instead of whispered later.
-A team that looks like it actually wants to be there.

And maybe most importantly: leaders who lead by example, not title.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Q: How do I motivate employees who are burned out?
A: Don’t add more to their plate. Reset behaviors, shorten timeframes (30 days), and give them small wins to re-establish momentum.
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Q: How long does it take to improve team culture?
A: Culture can shift in as little as 30 days when leaders consistently model and reward the right behaviors.
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Q: What is “Day One Energy”?
A: It’s the optimism, hunger, and focus people bring on their very first day at work — before they start coasting. Leaders can bring it back by creating stretch moments, celebrating wins, and raising standards.
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Q: Why 30 days?
A: A month is long enough to see progress and short enough to feel urgent. Humans commit better when there’s a clear finish line.

Final Word

Your team doesn’t need another perk or platitude.

They need a reset.In just 30 days, you can re-energize your culture with clarity, recommitment, and momentum.

Don’t wait for a crisis to force change. Be the event that changes everything.