How to cure demotivation

I’m the operations manager of a multinational.

- REY ELBO

After working for five years, I am no longer as motivated as I was. At times I'd like to quit and do something else, including starting a business or applying for another job. Please advise. — Night Heron.

Wait a bit longer. Don’t be trigger-happy. But first, find out why you're “no longer as motivated as before.” Otherwise, you could be jumping from the frying pan into the fire. In other words, you may be moving into a worse situation than before.

First things first. Being demotivated and being burned out are related but are two different things. The World Health Organization defines burnout as a recognized occupational phenomenon. It happens when there’s chronic workplace stress.

You'll need relief from what’s bugging you at work. As an unapologetic Kaizen advocate, I suggest you do a systematic self-reflection by using a practical tool like the Fishbone Diagram with the help of your spouse, objective work colleague, or best friend.

While commonly used to detect process issues, the Fishbone or Ishikawa Diagram can help give you a clear picture of your situation. This weekend, draw a simple fishbone that contains six categories like Manpower, Method, Machine, Material, Measurement, and Milieu. Come up with as many reasons as you can, then decide on the number one reason.

For Manpower, this may include your relationship with your boss, work colleagues, or customers. For Method, define all processes that make your job difficult. Machine may include a defective computer or other office equipment. Examples of Material factors include policies that guide your work or things that adversely affect your health and safety.