Hungry individuals aren’t content with doing the bare minimum. They seek out ways to improve processes, tackle additional responsibilities, and advance the company’s long-term vision. As Patrick Lencioni notes in his book, The Ideal Team Player, “Hungry people almost never have to be pushed by a manager to work harder because they are self-motivated and diligent.” In an EOS® environment, this translates to team members who eagerly embrace their roles on the Accountability Chart™, take ownership of their Rocks and Measurables, and bring issues to the surface proactively.
When a team member lacks hunger, it’s noticeable. They might drag their feet on tasks, show little initiative, and rely on others to spark momentum. They consistently miss hitting their Measurables and don’t complete Rocks. Over time, this creates imbalances as top performers shoulder more of the load. Without hunger, you risk stagnation, missed targets, a drain on team morale, and losing your best people.
To build a hungry team, start by hiring for the trait. Use the People Analyzer™ to evaluate potential hires and current employees. Highlight stories of hungry team members who’ve achieved exceptional results. Celebrate individuals who consistently go above and beyond—this reinforces that hunger is not just encouraged but valued.
When everyone has that desire to excel, you’ll find that your meetings run smoother, your issues get solved faster, and your entire company will confidently make steps toward its vision.
Proverbs 13:4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
Are you truly hungry? Let’s talk: brent.stromwall@eosworldwide.com.