Motivation 101

If you are looking for inspiring strategies to get your team moving at work, it’s all about developing incentives that will help engage a desired behavior. Most people are driven and inspired by their beliefs, values, personal interests, and even by fear. But motivating your colleagues to do something will be entirely different than what motivates you since we are all stimulated by different purposes.

One size does not fit all when motivating so in the work arena leaders must start with observation and listening. Get to know your team and figure out what drives each of them individually. Meet with them, ask what they value, and then develop a plan that speaks to your team’s needs.

Motivating with threats or fear is never advisable since it fosters a toxic environment and breeds low morale and low productivity.  Motivate people positively and provide them with a cause to work towards; show them your appreciation and whenever possible, reward positive things with praise or tangible perks.

Studies show that many workers respond to goals and when a team achieves a goal it can boost positive energy and motivation throughout an organization. Let your team develop goals in addition to you as the boss so they have buy-in and because it will be tailored to their strengths if they are involved in the strategy session.

The reward system can be incredibly motivating and need not be based purely on financial remuneration. Single out hard working employees with a special project, task, or a reward of their design that fits within a realistic company plan. By making the environment a positive place to work, motivation becomes intrinsic and infectious.

I’ve also read about some workplaces that have successfully motivated employees by using competition since some individuals are satisfied by comparing their performance to others. Cooperation can also be a motivating factor that engages a team to work together to achieve a goal.  Some leaders motivate through curiosity by stimulating an interest to learn and develop amongst their employees.

Bottom line – you most get to know your employees and determine what motivates them. Check in with your team regularly since motivating factors change over time. The feedback you seek from your team will help you design a motivational strategy that will inspire them and provide for a productive and positive work environment.