There are two key facts we know are true when you want to motivate others. First, great leaders are effective in motivating others to do what needs to be done and achieve the desired outcomes. Secondly, since the amount you can accomplish on your own is limited, it’s imperative to have the assistance of others. Someone that can motivate others to do their best has an incredibly valuable talent. When you can inspire others, you can accomplish much more.
Motivate others to do their best:
In this article, we will discuss 10 key strategies that will help you to be a better leader and motivate others.
Be emotionally supportive.
Establishing a work environment where you lead by example and help others to shine, will help your direct reports to shed the fear of failing or looking foolish. Since most people are frozen by fear and prefer to remain comfortable, it is critical to encourage people to grow and learn – and this means going outside their comfort zone. When fear is greater than motivation, nothing happens. Removing fear can be just as effective as instilling additional motivation.
Provide additional support.
Your role as a leader is to stay curious. Here are a few questions to ask your team so you can better understand what support they need from you so the project or change will be successful.
- What roadblocks are they experiencing? Does the team have ideas for a solution? How can you help to resolve these roadblocks?
- What resources are required to do the job right, and on time?
- Does any employee require additional help or training?
- Are there funds required to get a project off the ground?
Follow up regularly.
As the leader of your team, it is vital that you stay involved and on top of what is happening (and not happening) and why. You can show that you are an engaged part of the team by staying on top their progress – but not as a micromanager! Your team wants to know you are interested in their work because you care about them, and want to create a smooth path forward. You can easily accomplish this by taking the time to check in regularly, ask questions from a point of curiosity and interest and then actively listen to what they tell you. As you build trust and a collaborative environment, the feedback you receive will be valuable in making decisions, monitoring progress and leading the team to success.
Be publicly supportive.
It’s one thing to support an employee in the privacy of your office. It’s quite another to be supportive in front of their co-workers. Recognize people’s accomplishments, efforts and milestones authentically and to inspire everyone. Encourage every member of the team to publicly share their support, gratitude and pride in the accomplishments and results of fellow team members too.
Acknowledge and reward
Regularly acknowledge progress made and effort provided by team members – individually and collectively. Everyone needs a little boost now and then – even you. Ideally, give acknowledgement publicly. Conversely, ensure your disgruntlement and any discipline is handled privately. It’s as simple as handling praise and reprimands most effectively.
Ask for ideas.
I mentioned this before — it is important for you to be curious. When you ask team members for their ideas, solutions, feedback and insights you are more than likely to hear a few ideas that are better than your own. The people doing the job have a unique perspective and therefore are a valuable source of information. When you use their ideas, team members will get more excited about the project and changes than if the ideas were yours. Using ideas from your team will create a sense of purpose and involvement.
Be Clear
Vagueness breeds confusion. Confusion saps enthusiasm. Your goal is to communicate the objectives and the necessary steps clearly & concisely. Share why a change or new project is now necessary and how it serves the purpose and vision of the company. Clear communication and transparency in the reasons allow for you to generate motivation more easily. Ensure that everyone is clear on their roles – failing to do so breeds confusion and disengagement.
Set a good example and lead by example.
Trust, collaboration, support, good leadership and clarity are vital if you want your team to believe a project or change is important. When you set a good example you are better able to help them see that the project and the end result is worthwhile when they see it’s important to you, Don’t just tell them it’s important, but show them by your behaviour. Make the objective a priority in your own life.
Create a vision
When you share a clear vision you will assist the entire team to understand what is to be achieved, and what successful achievement will look like. This vision will paint a picture of of the process and end result in the minds of those involved. The work is rarely enjoyable, but it’s the end result that matters. Keep reminding everyone of how great things will be when it’s over. The work is the path to reach that endpoint.
Deal swiftly with dissenters.
It only takes one dissenting, charismatic employee to bring the whole project crashing down. I’t human nature to resist change so having at least one complainer that tries to undermine the enthusiasm of everyone else is to be expected. Don’t underestimate the damage this one person can do.
If you don’t motivate others to your vision and goal – this one person will motivate them to join their side. Have a heart-to-heart conversation with them. Try to understand their objections from their perspective. Use active listening to demonstrate your understanding and then share appropriate responses. If you are unable to gain their trust and agreement to move forward, you may have to move them out of the project group.
- Motivation isn’t just about adding positive motivation. It’s also about removing the obstacles. Dissenters are obstacles.
- Encourage the sharing of opinions. However, once a decision has been made, expect cooperation.
Encourage others to do their best work or to follow their dreams. Motivating others is a skill that anyone can develop. You can only be as successful as your team. Avoid the belief that you can do it all alone. You can’t.
Great leaders are tasked with the responsibility to inspire and motivate others to be overachievers. It’s a challenging task, but if you’re good at motivating others, you’ll always be one of the most important people around.
Next Steps
Are you ready to lead with more confidence, inspire your team, and achieve the results you’ve been striving for? Book your complimentary Ignition Call today. Together, we’ll uncover your goals and design a coaching experience that equips you to take decisive action, motivate others, and elevate your leadership impact. With Ignite Leadership as your trusted partner, you’ll gain the clarity, support, and confidence to lead with purpose—and succeed on your terms.”
