Motivation is an Inside Job
People are motivated to do what they believe is in their best interests.
You can’t motivate other people. You can only influence what they’re motivated to do.
Motivation is intrinsic. Our motivation is affected by external factors but whatever we
do, it’s because we have a desire or drive to accomplish something.
It’s a fact of nature: people are always motivated but motivated to do what? The key is
to create an atmosphere where employees feel motivated to do a great job every day.
The Three Most Common Ways to Influence Motivation:
Fear
Fear motivation usually peaks when the economy is sluggish and there are more qualified
workers than jobs available. When people are motivated by fear, they’re not so much
trying to achieve something as they’re trying to avoid losing their jobs. This approach
might work temporarily. If fear is used in an attempt to get employees to perform, they
will get used to it, to the point where fear becomes the primary emotion they connect
with life on the job. This can lead to hatred and resentment, which undermine
communication and cooperation. In the worst cases it can lead to sabotage.
Incentives
Incentive motivation is another common approach. People will work to get the reward
but what happens after they have achieved it? The potential trap is that employees will
continue to want a reward to any of their tasks. You have to keep coming up with new
and better rewards to get them to do their work.
Personal Growth
When you look at personal growth as a motivator, you change the way employees think
about their work. You help them become more capable, and you give them a meaningful
purpose in coming to work.
Employees work harder and smarter not for you but for themselves. Creating a work
environment where people really love what they do and feel motivated to do great work
takes certain skills. If you develop these skills, you’ll develop an energized and creative
team. Below are twelve techniques to help you inspire others to higher level
performance:
Brandeis University
Office of Human Resources
06/2009
1.
2.
3.
4.
Walk the talk. Be the role model for what you expect in others.
Convey enthusiasm in what you do.
Remind others that problems can be overcome.
Recognize attempts to improve effectiveness and productivity even when they
don’t necessarily work
5. Recognize people who overcome obstacles to achieve results.
6. Keep an open mind and focus on the positive side of new ideas.
7. Encourage people to talk with you about their feelings.
8. Meet with people individually or in groups when morale is low. Express
optimism and faith in the team. Expect the best from people. Expect that they
will excel.
9. Make work fun.
10. See the humor in your own mistakes. Laugh more.
11. Focus on small but significant wins, not just the big deals
12. Celebrate a lot.
Brandeis University
Office of Human Resources
06/2009