Kylie Jenner is the world’s youngest self-made billionaire. Don’t let success like that suck away your ambition

Like it or hate it, Kylie Jenner has become the world’s youngest self-made billionaire. However, at just 21, some are already wondering whether she’s reached the peak of her career.

From Macaulay Culkin to Lindsay Lohan, early fame and privilege can mean a quick end to a successful career. Could it be that getting everything you want in life means that your ambition and drive automatically take a nosedive?

There’s nothing as good as money… or is there?

Hollywood directors and music producers aren’t the only ones that have to worry about keeping their best performers engaged. Ordinary employers face this same challenge all the time.

Keeping employees motivated and productive can be difficult for any business, but managing those who have reached their peak and ticked off their career goals can be particularly challenging.

Employers are well aware that these star employees may move on to better opportunities. But some may be overlooking an even bigger risk: boredom and complacency.

For a long time, employers would throw money at this problem in an effort to reignite whatever spark seemed to be fading, but most now realise that this simply doesn’t work.

Pay rises and bonuses may be great, but a sense of purpose is actually what humans crave the most.

Better, bigger, greater

So, how do companies go about giving people meaning in the work they do, especially if they’re already at the top of their game? The answer is to provide clear goals and recognition for a job well done.

Regardless of what it is, having a goal gives employees focus, allowing them to measure success and overcome procrastination – whether they are just starting out or already a peak performer. After all, there’s always an opportunity to set new goals and higher targets.

Small gestures, big results

Recognising and rewarding performance at all levels is not only a key part in sustaining employee motivation, but is also crucial in creating a positive company culture.

It’s easy to shout about the successes of junior members of staff, but more senior employees and directors need recognition for their work too.

With this in mind, companies should make a conscious effort to make employee recognition a part of the everyday. They can even consider introducing rewards such as an extra day off, a trip away, or even bottle of Taittinger. These may seem like small gestures, but they provide an effective way to acknowledge and reward positive behaviours in the workplace.

Keeping up with Kylie

Reaching a career goal doesn’t need to signal the start of an employee’s gradual decline.

By tapping into your employees’ core motivations and the human need for purpose, businesses can ensure that staff at all levels remain focused on achieving better and better results.

And as for Kylie Jenner, we probably don’t need to worry too much – we suspect that a new business venture will be on the cards for her pretty soon.