Executives and managers often ask me how to motivate
employees, especially in these tough times. They may be
considering crazy and gimmicky approaches that others are
trying. To shift their thinking, I recommend they consider
times when they have lacked motivation. I'll start with an
example of my own.
Running up Red Oak Hill, I find myself turning inward,
mentally and physically. My shoulders hunch, chest caves, and
feet barely clear the ground as tired thoughts and notions of
walking invade.
Suddenly, I think of the frequently heard coyotes known for
stalking the ill, the old, and the wounded. Do I resemble
their prey?
In a blink, I am the young athlete, well, at least
comparatively speaking. My shoulders rise, my chin leads, and
my knees find a bit of spring. I am no longer the ill, the
old, or the wounded! It never fails.
So you want me to motivate my employees with
fear?
No. That doesn't work. People adjust to fear, otherwise we
would all be moving all the time to get away from crime,
floods, earthquakes, pollution, wild fires, etc. No, threats
don't work. As a matter of fact, sustainable, resourceful
motivation can only come from within. However, as a manager,
you can enlighten employees so their own self-interest kicks
in. It is easy for people to turn inward, think only of
themselves and their immediate wants and needs, as I am wont
to do running up a steep hill.
What the coyotes did for me was to break through my
self-absorption and make me aware of my surroundings. They
made me think about what I needed to do to ensure my own
survival.
Managers can do the same thing:
- Be sure employees are aware of their surroundings.
- Be sure they know what they need to do to contribute,
survive and succeed.
Most employees want to do their
best to help the company, but the objectives, the specific
steps needed to succeed, and the evidence of progress are
often lost in the daily chaos. They find themselves running up
a steep hill. They turn inward, forget the bigger picture, and
think about walking. Worse, they might even turn around and
head back down the hill instead. Can you blame them?
Keep in touch with your employees. Be sure they are aware
of the current state of affairs, the priorities, and why it
matters. Be sure they understand how they can make a
difference. Last, but not least, be sure they can see signs of
progress or evidence of their contributions.
No, you can't motivate others from the outside, but you can
tell them about the coyotes and how to differentiate
themselves from coyote prey.
If you would like to discuss motivation further and how
to use these ideas in your business, please call 413-527-3737.
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