Let's get ENERGIZED!
Motivating a team can sometimes be a challenge. We have 4 tips to help you inspire those you lead and find your Mojo.
1. Determine your end result.
When working with a team and leading others, it is important that you have the end in mind. Leaders provide a vision and are able to see what it will look like, feel like and sound like when the goal is achieved. Once you know and have a clear vision, it will be easier to inspire those around you.
Your vision should be a BHAG....Big Hairy Audacious Goal. Start big and scale back into manageable chunks. Set benchmarks and check in points so everyone knows how they are progressing. If your team is visual, include tracking, vision boards, anything fun and creative to keep the team engaged.
Talk about your vision DAILY. Don't be afraid of sharing what you want and what you want to achieve. I am a firm believer in "speaking things into existence". It will help broaden the belief window of others and help you and your team stay on track.
Even with vision, goals, and visual reminders a team can get off course.........
2. Identify why you are currently off track and address the elephant in the room.
When motivation is low and activity has slowed, immediately figure out what is the root cause and eliminate the problem. Time is of the essence any delay can impact you in a very negative way.
If you have built trust and have commitment from your team, you should be able to be open and honest. Don't hold back. When working with others, ask for permission to be bold and share your feelings. Your honesty and transparency will give others permission to be honest as well. This isn't a free for all gripe fest. It is a time to overcome obstacles, come with solutions, work through the struggles and get back on course.
As you discover what has been holding you back and causing the team to be off track, you are ready to now work towards solutions.
3. Ask for solutions to get back on board.
It is proven human nature that when we come up with ideas, our buy in and focus is greater. The same is true for your team. When they are part of the process, part of the solution, everyone works harder to make progress. As leaders we own 100% of the fault and take 0% of the credit.
Use words that include everyone in the process. Don't say what "I" am going to do. Instead say what "we" are going to do and lead the charge towards the solution.
Ask your team to give you their verbal commitment and permission for accountability. Share in the responsibility and value the input you receive from those around you.
The steps mentioned above are not one and done. This is a continuous process that needs to be adjusted and redirected as you go along. Keep the BHAG in front of you and your team will be by your side.
4. Ready-Set-Go!
Celebrate your small victories along the way. Your BHAG may not seem achievable to those you are working to inspire. Help them see the big picture by celebrating the smaller success. Be consistent in your praising and provide quick, to the point coaching. Don't stop growing yourself and remember.......Together Everyone Achieves More!
