Posts Tagged ‘motivation’

If you are a manager, leader or someone in a position to direct, motivate, inspire and support others then listen up.  There are certain behaviors, attitudes and personal attributes that you must possess if you want to be a successful leader.  I’ve listed ten questions to ask yourself to see where you stand as a leader.

1. Do I understand the personal goals of the people on my team?
   We all have our own way of doing things but understanding what motivates each employee will help you to help them meet and surpass the overall expectations of the company.
2. Am I able to recognize the difference among team members in order to work effectively with each person?
   The biggest mistake I see new managers and leaders make is assuming that all people can be supervised the same.  We are all different and the way in which we respond, work, accept feedback as well as how much recognition we need varies from person to person.  Being able to see these differences and respond accordingly, allows a great leader to motivate on a personal and individual level for outstanding results.
3. Do I encourage team members to make suggestions and provide input?
   In order for people to feel they have a stake in a proposed change, they have to have some ownership in the process and believe their contributions matter and are important.  Getting team members committed and working towards a proposed change starts with encouraging suggestions and input from anyone with a stake in the outcome.
4. Do I provide consistent feedback and recognition?
   From my experience most people appreciate feedback and to be recognized for their efforts.  Failing to let your team members know how they’re doing is a recipe for disaster.   Your feedback and praise is what fuels their motivation to continue doing a good job, so make sure you are timely and sincere.
5. Am I able to identify the slackers and take the action necessary to bring them on board or find another alternative for them?
   You need everyone’s participation to reach goals.  Identifying those individuals and counseling them appropriately will ensure your team continues to move forward.  Failing to address this situation will bring the entire group down.  Make sure you act sooner rather than later.
6. Do I allow team members to solve problems?
   I worked for a woman once who stated to a subordinate (not me thankfully), “I don’t pay you to think!  Just do what I tell you to do!”  Sorry folks but in this day and age people want to do something valuable with their time at work.  Allowing team members to use their skills and talents to solve problems will pay off hugely in the end.  Respect goes a long way.
7. Do I find ways for team members to grow, learn and develop their skills?
   Most people innately want to grow, learn and develop their abilities.  The more people learn, the more they are inspired to learn and apply that learning to solving problems and reaching goals.
8. Am I available to the people on my team?
   As a supervisor and leader it is imperative to be visible and accessible to team members.  The more approachable you are the more comfortable employees will be in asking questions and making suggestions for improvement.
9. Am I effective in motivating my team and recognizing individual efforts and contributions?
   Teams must learn to work together effectively for the good of the company.  But this doesn’t always happen naturally.   A good leader motivates his employees and coaches them towards team cohesiveness while recognizing the contributions of individuals.
10. Do I practice what I preach?
    Remember the boss who proclaimed, “I don’t pay you to think!”  Communication, understanding, respect and support are essential elements to be an effective leader.  It’s hard to respect someone who shows such disregard to their employees by making disparaging remarks.

If you want to be a great leader, make sure you practice these skills.  If you are weak in any of the above areas, hire a coach who can help you to become a better communicator.

The old adage, “You get more with honey than with vinegar” is true.  Showing your team respect and a willingness to support them in their positions are essential in getting the best out of people and are key elements in being a great leader.