When one thinks of ways to motivate others the first image that comes to mind is that of a coach gathering his team together before a game and giving them a pep talk. Also, getting them all revved up to go out on the field to play their very best. This initial form of encouragement may work at the onset. But, halfway through the game it has worn off. It is, therefore, more important to find more permanent ways to motivate others.
It is strongly believed that individuals cannot be made to act in one manner or another. On the other hand, it is possible to create a favourable environment. The one that will encourage people to act in a certain way. This will also help to foster a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment for their achievements.
People become motivated when others defer to them for advice.
Many individuals make the mistake of assuming that it is demeaning to them in one way or another to ask for advice from another. Especially, from someone who is lower than them at work. This is not the case. When you ask advice from a person who is more knowledgeable in a given area than you are, you instil motivation in them. Because they realize that they must be viewed as competent. Otherwise no one would ask them for their thoughts, ideas or suggestions. This helps employees to feel that they are a worthwhile part of the greater whole of their workplace. When it comes to employees, be aware that “people support a plan or a program which they have helped to develop.”
Always seek to keep other people “in the loop” about what is going on.
It can be family meetings or staff meetings at the office.At work make sure the meetings are relevant to those who attend. Also, make sure they are full of useful information. Workers feel more confident and are more motivated to do their best work when they are kept informed about the happenings around the office. As well, people are pleased when superiors communicate vital workplace information to them.
Make sure you share the end goals with your employees as well. If it does not include the hoped-for goals or results employees will quickly become bored, restless, confused and frustrated. Also, they will probably be looking for an excuse to get out of the meeting and return to work! This is also the case with family meetings. Once children are old enough to understand, include them in the meetings as this will make them feel a part of things and will give them a sense of pride.
Being praised for work well done is one of the greatest motivators for anyone.
This can be done most easily in the workplace. But it can also be done in the home, such as when you praise someone for a delicious meal or praise how he or she painted a room or redecorated a wing of the house.
Praise makes a person feel recognized and it also adds a sense of meaningfulness to just about any project, task, assignment or chore. All praise is relevant and appreciated. But sometimes zeroing in on a particular aspect of a job and praising someone for that is so important. This is especially the case when a person has been working towards a goal for a very long time and needs all the encouragement and motivation he or she can get.
