Motivating your Team

Motivation That Moves People

Watch Dan Pink’s video on ‘The Why’

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p4esMj2EC8

Dan Pink - Self Directed Motivation

• Autonomy The need to direct your own life and work
• Mastery The urge to improve & develop
• Purpose The yearning for a challenge and to make a contribution

Needs That Drive Behaviour

McClelland’s* Theory of Needs

• Achievement Has a strong need to set and accomplish challenging goals.
• Takes calculated risks to accomplish their goals.
• Likes to receive regular feedback on their progress and achievements.
• Affiliation Wants to belong to the group.
• Wants to be liked, and will often go along with whatever the rest of the group wants to do.
• Favors collaboration over competition.
• Power Wants to control and influence others.
• Likes to win arguments.
• Enjoys competition and winning.
• Enjoys status and recognition.

Recognising What Matters

Common Workplace Motivators:

1. Recognition and Appreciation:
   Employees feel motivated when their efforts and achievements are acknowledged.
   Recognition can be through verbal praise, awards, or public acknowledgment.
2. Career Development Opportunities:
   Access to training, promotions, and career progression motivates employees by showing them a clear path for growth.
3. Autonomy and Empowerment:
   Giving employees control over their work and decision-making processes boosts motivation.
4. Supportive Work Environment:
   A collaborative and supportive workplace culture encourages employees to perform better.
5. Meaningful Work:
   Employees are motivated when they find their work meaningful and aligned with their personal values.
6. Compensation and Benefits:
   Competitive salaries, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits packages are strong motivators.
7. Work-Life Balance:
   Flexible working hours and the ability to balance work with personal life can enhance motivation.

Keeping Teams Engaged

Maintaining High Team Motivation During Challenging Times

Clear and Transparent Communication
Keep team members informed about challenges, progress, and changes.
Example: For instance, if a project is delayed, hold a meeting to explain the situation and outline the next steps.

Recognise and Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge and celebrate achievements to keep morale high.
Example: After completing a milestone, send a congratulatory email and organise a small celebration.

Encourage Collaboration and Teamwork
Foster a collaborative environment.
Example: Set up regular brainstorming sessions for idea sharing and problem-solving.

Regularly seek and act on team feedback
Conduct feedback sessions after projects and implement suggestions.

Set Realistic Goals and Expectations
Establish achievable goals to prevent burnout.
Example: Break down a complex project into smaller tasks with individual deadlines.

Foster a Positive Work Environment
Create a supportive and positive work atmosphere.
Example: Introduce flexible working hours during stressful periods to help manage stress.

Lead by Example
Demonstrate commitment and resilience.
Example: Stay optimistic and solution-focused, showing that overcoming obstacles is possible.