Leadership Standards in Action
Understanding What Truly Motivates Your Team Beyond the Paycheck
In the legal profession, our work is high-stakes and high-pressure. Deadlines are immovable, details matter, and the clients we serve depend on our best work—every single time.
But the truth is, even the most talented teams need motivation that goes beyond job descriptions and paychecks.
That is where understanding someone’s “currency” comes in.
Currency is what truly motivates a person—what inspires them to go the extra mile.
For some, it is public recognition.
For others, it is professional growth opportunities.
And for one law clerk I once worked with, it was a morning cinnamon bun from the vending machine.
Here’s How It Worked
Every morning, “Vinnie” would walk past my office, drop his backpack at his desk, and head straight for the break room within minutes.
I knew Vinnie loved that cinnamon bun.
So, whenever I had a project that needed to be prioritized, I would place my request on his desk—separate from the pile of other assignments—and position that warm, spiral-shaped bribe (or, let’s call it, incentive) right on top.
I would add a quick handwritten note:
“Thanks in advance—looking forward to seeing your magic on this.”
The result?
My projects were consistently completed by midday.
No chasing.
No reminders.
No unnecessary stress.
And he did not just deliver quickly—he delivered exceptionally well.
Why Does This Matter for Leaders—and Every Team Member?
Understanding someone’s currency is not manipulation.
It is strategic leadership.
It Builds Trust
When you recognize and honor what genuinely motivates someone, they feel seen, understood, and valued.
It Increases Productivity
People naturally perform better when appreciation is communicated in ways that are meaningful to them.
It Strengthens Team Culture
When leaders model this behavior, it creates a ripple effect.
Team members begin recognizing and respecting one another’s motivators as well.
Leadership in the Legal Field Requires More Than Authority
In legal environments, where precision and performance are non-negotiable, leaders cannot afford to assume that one-size-fits-all motivation is effective.
Understanding your team’s currency does not require a large budget.
It requires:
- Observation
- Listening
- Emotional intelligence
- A genuine commitment to helping people thrive
A Challenge for This Week
Look around your team.
Ask yourself:
- What motivates each person?
- What makes them feel appreciated?
- What small or meaningful investment could unlock greater engagement?
Then, spend that currency wisely.
Because when you compensate people in the ways they value most, the return on investment can be extraordinary.
A Final Thought
As for Vinnie?
That cinnamon-bun-loving law clerk is likely doing something remarkable today—perhaps leading in a courtroom, serving on the bench, or calling the shots from a corner office.
Wherever he is, I like to think those vending machine pastries fueled more than his mornings.
They fueled momentum.
Know their currency.
Spend it well.
And watch them soar.
