Kids today get a D and think, oh well, as long as I don't fail, it's good enough.
I wonder what would happen if instead of encouraging a lazy student to work harder, you held that student back a grade ( or just threatened to). Let him repeat all those tests and assignments as he watches he friends move ahead and thrive.
He would be motivated.
If you had a lazy, under performing employee you could give him a rah, rah motivational speech to encourage him to improve. You could dangle a carrot (pay raise or job perk) in front of him and hope he will pick up the slack.
Alternately, you could point out that his lack of productivity and growing apathy will get him demoted. He may lose his job.
I'm guessing loss will motivate him more.
How do you use loss to motivate?
Read Motivational Speaker for School District