Hmmm. Interesting question. If you have the right people as your managers then sure, you can fire them up. Without speaking to you in more detail it’s hard to make sweeping generalisations AND get it right for your situation. I would recommend starting by addressing the ‘elephant in the room’. The acceptance of mediocrity. Get your team together and have an honest and frank discussion. Start by getting their views first, rather than by espousing yours. That way you can gauge the level of ‘awareness’ in the room. There’s nothing more damaging than a Snr Manager raining on everyone’s parade when they think they’re doing a good job.

Btw – surprisingly refreshing honesty on your part admitting you’re responsibility. Not to let you off the hook but I believe individuals also have to take responsibility for engagement. If they’re not engaged, they need to raise it. If nothing changes, then they need to consider other employers. Unfortunately, your talent is more likely to walk, leaving you with the ones who are disengaged but stay with your firm. Happy to talk more if you want to email me.

Thanks for posting. I’ve found that employees are reluctant to jeopordise good employment conditions by letting work projects fail. If they do, then they’re the wrong employee.