Published on June 15, 2015 by Kathy Sturgis, Ph.D.
Meetings between others are momentum-creating opportunities. Chances are you have meetings with others scheduled this week. How are you planning to use them to build motivation with others?
When you put on the hat of the leader, you realize that you can ALWAYS motivate and inspire others to excellent performance whatever happens. There are a number of ways to do this but the most potentially impactful is the face-to-face opportunity (i.e., meetings).
Lots of things happen when you meet others. Inspiration is not always one of them. And yet, motivation and inspiration is one of the leader’s key roles. There are many articles that say that leaders need to do this; fewer articles address how to do it.
If you are reading this article, chances are you already are a motivational leader or you want to be one. Here are 10 simple ideas to support your success.
1. Add an intentional beginning and ending to every meeting you have with others. Think about what you will do to set the tone. These two moments are your opportunity to create momentum. What will you say?
2. Set the tone with your energy. Smile and make eye contact with everyone that you meet before you begin. People decide in the first few seconds what kind of an exchange it is going to be.
3. Never let ‘em see you sweat. You probably have a million things on your to do list today. The others don’t need to hear about it or see it in your demeanor. Shake it off before you meet others. Remember when you meet with others is not about you ~ it’s about them.
4. Integrate a “them-focused” message. Remember most people want to know, “What’s in it for me?” Be specific. Be authentic. Tell them why they matter to you!
5. Give others a perspective (or create it together). Three questions help you find the answer and discover your growth: Who were we then? Who are we now? Who will we become?
6. Tell others a story of excellence. What others’ value or principle would you like to reinforce with others when you meet? Relay something you have seen or heard this week that illustrates your point.
7. Paint an image with an analogy. You can either develop an analogy yourself or involve others in the activity. We are like….Change is like….Working together is like….
8. Express specific appreciation ~ use it to reinforce a point. Note something another did that was exceptional (behavior or quality). Tell them why it mattered (impact). Thank them. Thank others for the things they have done and are going to do to make a difference in the lives of others this week.
9. Use a motivational clip to emphasize a point. Need to solve problems better? Want to inspire more creativity or productivity? There are numerous clips out there on the Internet that inspire and illustrate. Bring one along on your phone or laptop.
10. Bring food or a treat. Want to create a positive association for you? It’s as simple as a Pavlovian principle. The treat you bring does not need to be expensive. It just needs to be present on occasion. Nothing creates momentum like an unexpected snack. Any treat will do, but if you want to get creative, you can make a point with candy like lifesavers, Skor bars, etc.
Each of these ideas can be easily integrated and take no longer than 2-3 minutes.
“Motivational Minute™” thinking will give you a chance to strategically and authentically create excitement, hope, perspective and focus. This type of thinking also creates a positive avenue for communicating expectations.
Meetings with others are one of the greatest untapped resources for inspiration. Put “motivation” on your “to do” list. Surprise others with some intentional inspiration this week. It may be easier than you think.
I altered some of the article. © 2015 Kathy Sturgis, Ph.D. Organizational Development Specialist with Doctorate in Communication | Strategic Planner | Retreat Facilitator | Leadership, Team, 1:1 Catalyst & Coach Kathy is an organizational development expert with extensive experience in the areas of communication, culture change and planning. To arrange a consultation, training program or keynote, contact Kathy at Refreshment Zone.
