Monday, November 03, 2008
Key to Motivation
I spent the month of October feverishly finishing a teambuilding book manuscript which has now gone on to the editor. Have you ever worked on a large-scale project that totally consumed all your waking hours? I discovered between researching and writing the difficulty of staying motivated—in spite of enjoying the project and all the tasks associated with it. During October, the US financial crisis and presidential election were major areas of concern. It was interesting to notice what I began thinking about during the endless negative talk going on around me.
Motivation usually comes from two different perspectives:
1) Out of fear
2) Out of purpose
Being motivated by purpose allows success through accomplishment - serving others; giving. Fear motivation is the opposite - serving only yourself; taking. How do you, as a leader, keep yourself living with purpose in the midst of chaos? How does that translate to your team? Consider these ideas…
How to Keep Yourself Motivated
* Have a clear vision of success.
* Live the behaviors that lead to success.
* Find ways to stay informed (avoiding the massive negativity on the news) and still remain effective.
* Decide to be optimistic and focus on solutions.
How to Keep Your Team Motivated
* Communicate what behaviors leading to success look like.
* Motivation is all about your attitude. Demonstrate the attitude you want your team to mimic.
* Always acknowledge great work.
* Don’t be an absentee leader - encouraging individual success means you know each person.
Did you find the Key to Motivation above? It’s your attitude.
Until next time...live like you mean it (with purpose and passion)!
Marjorie