Motivating people is an evergreen topic in leadership development. Yet, the traditional approach often resembles selling leaders' recipes, dictating what should be added and how it should be stirred.
However, true motivation isn't about convincing others that the leader's blend is their own; that's akin to a failed potion recipe, lacking in potency.
Instead, motivating people involves trusting in their potential to discover their own valid reasons and mechanisms for taking and sustaining action. It's like a mysterious concoction of ingredients that propels us forward in life. Let's break it down a bit, shall we?
Values Honored
Picture this: You're at work, and you value respect, freedom, and making a meaningful contribution. Now, imagine your colleagues and boss treat you with the utmost respect, give you the freedom to explore and innovate, and recognize your contributions. How would that make you feel? Pretty darn motivated, right?
When our values are honoured by our environment and relationships, it's like fuel for our motivation engine. It's like saying, "Hey, you're on the right track, keep going!"
To unveil people's values and ensure they feel honoured, leaders can start by actively listening and observing. Take the time to engage in meaningful conversations with team members, asking open-ended questions about what matters most to them in their work and personal lives. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings openly, without fear of judgment.
Urgency
Ever noticed how we tend to kick things into high gear when we're dissatisfied with the status quo? It's like when you're stuck in a job you hate, and the thought of spending another day there makes your skin crawl. That's urgency kicking in.
It's the push we need to break out of our comfort zones and chase after something better. Without that sense of urgency, we're like stagnant ponds instead of flowing rivers, just sitting there, going nowhere.
Leaders can effectively assist individuals in uncovering their sense of urgency by posing thought-provoking questions. Questions like, "What are the main risks if you continue on your current path?" or "How might your life improve if you take action now rather than waiting?" can prompt deeper exploration of the importance of urgency. Additionally, asking, "What is the potential cost of delaying action?" encourages individuals to reflect on the repercussions of inaction.
Self-Confidence
Imagine you have this big, audacious goal in mind. You can see it crystal clear in your mind's eye, but there's a nagging voice in the back of your head saying, "You can't do it. Who are you kidding?" That's where self-confidence comes in. It's like having an unwavering belief in yourself and your abilities.
When you believe you can achieve something, you're more likely to take action and make it happen. It's like having your own personal cheerleader saying, "You got this!"
Nurturing self-confidence involves assisting others to embrace a balanced view on themselves. It's not merely about offering blind praise such as "I trust you, you can do it," but rather about listening beyond their narrative and noticing the mental interference that leave them feeling vulnerable and hesitant to take action.
Assisting individuals in overcoming self-doubt entails encouraging them to reflect on their innate strengths - "What resources do you have that will make your success possible?" and the right balance between safety and challenge - "What will make it safe for you to make the next step?"
Energy
Ah, energy - the magical elixir that powers our every move. Think about it – when you're running on empty, dragging yourself through the day like a zombie, how motivated are you to tackle that big project or chase after your dreams? Not very, right?
Our energy levels play a massive role in our motivation. When we're feeling vibrant and alive, we're ready to take on the world.
But when we're running on fumes, even the smallest tasks can feel like climbing Mount Everest. And leaders do have a part in helping individuals overcome fatigue.
So there you have it: the four key ingredients that make up the motivation cocktail. When our values are honoured, urgency kicks in, self-confidence is high, and our energy levels are soaring, there's no stopping us!
So, what's motivating you today?