The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines Motivate as "Supply a motive to." The word motive is defined as 1. "Tending to initiate movement" and 2. "What induces a person to act." Motivation is bringing about a required action in a person through their individual desire to initiate the action. That is their wanting to complete the action.

How do you motivate someone? You have to connect with their inner person, what it is that will get them to act without the use of force. The latter will get results, but only in the short-term. Once the force is removed, the person will minimise their action. There exists no drive for them to complete the action as quickly.

To motivate someone, you must be motivated yourself. It is impossible to motivate someone else if you do not walk the talk yourself.

Quotation:

"Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it."

Dwight D Eisenhower

Motivating others

Learning the art of motivating others is a little more involved than motivating yourself. With yourself, you will generally know what the driving force that makes you want to act. With others, this takes a little more time and effort to understand.

The following eight strategies will greatly assist in motivating others: Always communicate clearly what is required. Ensure the other person understands fully your message. There are many blockages to effective communication. Know and avoid them; Recognise people for their good work. This is most effective in front of others. The person will work harder, improves their standing in the work group and thus helps to motivates others; Commit to the goal. People will want to follow a person/leader who is committed to their cause. Lead by example. When the purpose is clear, it is very easy to get others to follow you; Create a friendly competitive spirit. When this is created between similar work units, each will want to outdo the other;

Quotation:

"The way to get things done is to stimulate competition. I do not mean in a sorbid, money getting way, but in the desire to excel."

Charles Schwab

Connect with your people. Develop a stronger personal relationship. People will respond more readily to someone they know well and respect; Let your people experience success. People will enjoy the fruits of their labour in the form of a reward. This is one of the strongest motivators as people can see and touch the results; and Believe in their abilities. People who know that you are confident in their abilities will perform beyond their own expectations. It will raise the bar for them. Let them know this.

You will need to know which method will be the most effective with each individual. Leading by example will bring most people along. Sometimes rolling up your sleaves and putting in a little physical effort with the team is a powerful motivator. Your people will really appreciate the gesture and will provide further commitment.

The Dynamic Improvements Programme has strategies to make participants aware of the various processes available to motivate your people for results. It requires a thorough knowledge of the various motivating factors and when to use them.

Please contact Graeme Alford, Principal Executive/Life Coach, for further information.

© Dynamic Improvements Pty Ltd 2002 ABN 71 088 392 161