As a business coach, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges leaders face in motivating their teams, especially the millennial workforce, with traditional methods. Peter Drucker’s sentiment, “We know nothing about motivation – all we can do is write books about it,” captures the complexity of this endeavor perfectly.
The cornerstone of effective motivation starts with understanding each individual’s personal drivers. What gets your team members out of bed and into the office? For some, it’s the thirst for personal and professional growth; for others, it’s a belief in the company’s mission and their role in achieving it. Identifying and tapping into these personal motivations can turn even the most mundane tasks into meaningful contributions to the company’s goals.
However, even with this knowledge, many leaders stumble because they fail to visibly demonstrate their own motivations. In today’s business world, displaying a facade of cold, calculated decision-making can inadvertently project a lack of enthusiasm and commitment to the team. To remedy this, fostering an environment of trust and showcasing genuine authenticity are paramount.
Trust is the foundation of a thriving work environment. This involves delegating complex tasks and providing the support needed to tackle challenges. But trust also extends to sharing your own feelings and aspirations with your team. Authenticity is crucial; employees can easily detect insincerity. When you communicate your real motivations, it resonates and inspires.
To effectively implement these principles, I recommend two key strategies: 360-degree feedback meetings and one-on-one meetings. These formats facilitate understanding individual motivations and provide a platform for leaders to openly share their own, reinforcing a culture of trust and authenticity.
By incorporating these practices, you’ll motivate your team and cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and connected to the company’s larger mission.
If you are looking for more information about holding effective meetings to understand your team’s motivation, please reach out.
