Everyone is motivated. The big question is what are they motivated to do and why?

Few subjects are more often discussed and less understood by managers and leaders than workplace motivation.To get the right results with people, you need to understand the basics of motivation to use it effectively.

Here are five tips to being a better motivator:

1. Motivate different people differently.

My research shows that less than 15% of employees have ever been asked by management, “What motivates you?” Instead, most use common motivators (money and other rewards) or read a top 10 list the describes in rank order the most effective motivators.

While that is helpful, finding out what is important to those you leader is most effective. Try asking these questions:

What most motivates you at work?

What do you most like to do in your job?

What would you most like to learn?

Who do you most enjoying working with?

What is your greatest concern or fear?

Of course asking isn’t enough. You need to effectively use the information they provide.

     2. Clarify outcomes

People can’t hit a target they can’t see. Unclear direction creates unclear or at worst wrong results.

Often in our rush to get results, we don’t do a good job of explaining the results we want, and vague instructions create vague results.

Clarify specifically what you expect: the what, the why, the how, the how well and the by when. It isn’t micromanaging to give people more and better information.

     3. Explain the reason “why”?

People are motivated when they believe there is a worthwhile reason and not just a capricious request from management.

If the reasons aren’t clear, spend some time explaining the rationale, reasons and benefits of a successfully completed task. The better the reasons the more likely a higher level of motivation.

     4. Create an empowering environment.

In the initial book, A Great Place to Work, Robert Levering found that regardless of the type of company or location, a great place to work was where (paraphrased):

You trust who you work for.

You enjoy who you work with.

You take pride in your work.

Create that kind of a workplace and you’ll have an environment where your team is positively motivated.

     5. Reward and recognize.

Recognition is verbal and rewards are tangible. They are both powerful motivators.

You can’t over-appreciate a team member unless you do it insincerely, and that is manipulation, not true appreciation.

Little things make big difference when it comes to rewards, from the familiar Starbucks gift card (for those who like coffee) to movie tickets to a late start or an early end of the day.

And here’s a bonus tip: be as motivated in your behavior as you’d like those you lead to be.

There is much any leader could and should learn about motivating others, so I encourage you to become a student. But remember and use these tips for a quick start at getting better.

 

Mark Sanborn is a bestselling author and acclaimed speaker. He has a vast knowledge of how to self motivate other people.
For more information visit www.marksanborn.com