The June and July columns presented the first two steps to motivating
others: inspire confidence and demonstrate enthusiasm. The third step is
to ask the question: WIIFO? Or What’s In It For Others? We motivate
others, or more specifically provide incentives for motivation by knowing
what others stand to gain by being motivated.
Here are five practical suggestions:
Ask others what they hope to
achieve. We often assume others have the same end in sight or hope to
achieve the same things we do and then we are puzzled when they are not
motivated to work toward the same goals as we are.
Design tasks to be self
rewarding. If you are the leader or the person who designs and assigns
tasks, design them to hold the attention of others and provide a sense
of accomplishment, fulfillment and reward.
If you are the leader,
manager, supervisor or boss, tell others how well they met your
expectations. Often people frankly don’t know; perhaps they receive an
unclear message from their superiors. Most people really want to please;
but they can only do so if they know their supervisor’s expectations.
Try to find out what kind of
reward appeals to others. Some people want more pay; others want time
off; some are most concerned about getting recognition. Don’t assume all
people prize the same things.
Recognize good work as soon
as possible. Don’t wait until the job is finished or it is time for a
regular performance evaluation. Research and experience both show that
for maximum motivational effect, recognize accomplishment as soon as
possible.
Next month we’ll look at the fourth step to motivating others.
