The easy ways to motive others – you can’t!

Motivation comes from within each person. As a leader you cannot motivate others, you can simply give them the right environment and reasons to motivate themselves.

Here are some ways to make it easier for employees to motivate themselves:

1. Talk to your staff – Find out what make them tick. Each employee is different. Don’t assume what motivates one person will motivate others. Ask your employees how to create an environment where they can take action.

2. Learn from your mistakes – Discover what hasn’t worked in the past. Either change it or don’t do it again. For example, if large town-hall meetings are unpopular at your organization, then don’t hold them. Instead hold smaller communication sessions or use technology to broadcast your messages.

3. Don’t punish mistakes – Your staff will be more creative if you don’t punish people for taking risks. A safe environment means people will try harder and push the boundaries. Reward risk takers (in the right direction!)

4. Communicate, communicate, communicate – Keep the communication lines open in both directions. I remember one President that got his best feedback in the designated smoking area. Value people’s input.

5. Give them a reason to come to work – People want to be part of something bigger. Share the direction of the organization. Ask them for their input on how to create that larger future.

Leadership is not easy. You need to always be adjusting to ensure your people are aligned in the direction you want them to go. But given the right environment, people will exceed your wildest expectations!

Want to talk more about motivation? Contact me Valerie.MacLeod@HainesCentre.com