In my last column, I posted the first two motivational triggers boomers respond to. If you’re just now checking in, you can read that column here. I’m not going to continue with the next three triggers here. Instead, I want to share a story that directly relates to the theme of motivating workers.

Recently, I met with a former colleague of the big-box home improvement store at which I worked for a short time. I’ll call him Sam. He has been there for a good many years, has developed his skills as a salesperson, and has gathered a significant clientele who bring to him repeat business.

One afternoon the department manager called Sam in to the front office. Sam sat down across from the DM, wondering about the nature of the summons.

“We’re not singling anyone out,” the DM began. “We’re doing this with everyone. Company policy allows for five sick says per year, but you’ve taken nine. Consider this a friendly warning that this should not continue.”

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