A wise man once said that "motivation is the elixir of life". To my way of thinking what he meant was that when we do things we are motivated to do - we get a real kick out of it.

It's easy working for a boss you like.
It's fun playing a sport you enjoy.
It's good spending time with friends that you get on with.

My dictionary (the Australia Macquarie Dictionary of course) defines motivate as "to provide with a motive" and motive as "something that prompts a person to act in a certain way or the goal or object of one's actions"

If you can provide something that "prompts a person to act in a certain way" then you have a leader you can work through. The key is this concept of motivation.

What is motivation?
To some it is money.
To others it is prestige.
Other are motivated by compassion, or need, or guilt or... you get the idea.

Each of us are motivated by two basic needs - a need for security and a need for significance. Higher motives come after these.

This means if you can provide security and significance - you have half a chance of motivating your team. let's look at these

Security

Your team needs to feel secure with and around you. This means you don't treat them disrespectfully or rudely. You support their decisions. You protect them from savage children ;). And you support them to your church board or committee.

In essence - you are their champion - protecting them from enemies and themselves and promoting an environment where they can succeed.

Significance

Vision.

They need to know they are changing the world, doing something that is of value - of significance. Why shouldn't they feel this? You do - don't you? [editors note if you don't find something that will motivate you with a real sense of significance - without it you'll die...]

Reflect their successes back to them. Tell them how well they did a particular program feature. Brag on them to their peers. Talk to them - this shows they have value and are appreciated.

Leaders we often fall into this trap - of assuming our teams know that they are doing good work and are valued and are contributing to the fulfilment of the vision of our organisations. NOT TRUE. Tell, tell and tell again!

Action steps

There are many levels that motivation operates on. Begin with security. Then move to significance. As you provide opportunities for your teams to be successful they will grow in confidence and become the people you are expecting them to be. It's true. I have proven this over and over and over again with people who I work with.

We rise to the level expected of us.

Aim high!
Provide a secure environment
and reinforce significance.

What we do is changing the world!!!