The 3 Laws to Keep You and Your Team Motivated - Part 2
Being Ignored is Demotivating
Imagine going up to a coworker to tell them something, and they just turn around and walk the other way.
They completely ignore you.
Or talking to someone, and they are always just looking at their phone.
At best, this is slightly annoying. At worst, it can be the straw that breaks the camel's back.
Feeling Heard is Inspiring
It is good to feel like someone is genuinely listening to you. When they look you in the eye, absorb what you are saying and let you finish your thoughts.
It is motivating when people come to you for advice or ask how things are going.
Are you surrounded by people like this at work?
You should be, and it’s possible to make it happen!
Practical Application for You
The main tip here starts with the golden rule.
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Since we can’t force others to listen to us, we have to lead by example.
We have to start by being great listeners ourselves.
Here are the 5 steps to becoming a rockstar listener:
Put down your devices when someone is talking to you.
Ask good questions to show you’re engaged.
Give words of encouragement like mmm, ahh, and yes…I see.
Respond with informed statements that show you are listening.
Keep the focus on them and let them talk.
Do this consistently, and over time, they’ll do it back to you.
Remember, feeling heard is inspiring!
Give, and it will be given back to you.
Practical Application for Your Team
If you are in a position of leadership, then you can really have a major impact here.
One thing that we recommend is to have 1:1 meetings with everyone on your team.
That means taking 10-15 minutes regularly (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) to sit down and give your team members your undivided attention.
We give them a voice to be heard.
Here is the outline of a well-conducted 1:1 meeting.
The team member shares their current highs and lows.
The leader gives them feedback in the form of praise and redirects.
We talk about individual goals, such as previous goals for accountability and future goals for growth.
So, the main goal is to create an Inspiring and Motivating Workplace. This is a 2-way street where everyone, including you, has a role to play.
Soon, I’ll share the 3rd key component to staying MOTIVATED AT WORK.
Till next time, be a force for good.
- Lance