In the previous article, Motivate and Be Motivated: Part 1, we have discussed the type of feelings that you should be motivating in others, i.e. ownership, responsibility, curiosity and accountability. We have discussed the “what”; now let us discuss the “how”.



To Know

Powerful motivation comes from powerful motivators, and power is born from knowledge. But to become knowledgeable of other people, there is no room for generalisation or taking things for granted, in other words, you can’t assume that the perceptions of others are the same as your own.  Each mind holds its own point of view and it is your task to grasp that point of view if you want to be a motivational leader.

To Listen

The study of those you wish to motivate is a qualitative one that requires involvement and open mindedness and willingness. Listening to your employees and co-workers requires a concerted effort. Listen patiently, attentively and carefully. Listen critically. Listen sympathetically. Being “heard” means being “seen".

To Adjust

Where there is rightful room for the rule that says you need to treat all your employees the same, on a subjective personal sense, it is impossible to do so as no two employees are the same. The effort invested in listening, understanding and conversing with employees should be the same to all. However you need to treat an employee as an individual and in a custom way that will motivate them most as individuals. Adjust your means of interaction.

To Communicate

The feeling of being seen, of being heard, of being acknowleged is an incredible motivator. When you truly know the people that work alongside you, you will be able to communicate successfully and effectively. You could offer relevant feedback to clear up confusions; offer praise on achievements where you know blood, sweat and tears had been invested; and you could work on realistic solutions to given problems.

To Practice

To motivate those who work alongside you, you need to practise intelligent listening, in-depth understanding, and courageous talking. As Prof. Richard E. Boyatzis once stated, this might all be common sense, but it is not common practise – and that is the problem.

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Carla van Straten is a Writer for Sound Idea Digital | Carla@soundidea.co.za | @SoundIdeaLMS | Sound Idea Digital l www.soundidea.co.za