In a workplace where it’s becoming more and more challenging to inspire people to give their best and stay, what’s the most powerful and effective way to motivate and engage them?
It’s true that the fear of losing a job and a paycheck creates momentum for a while, but today’s savvy employees are less inclined to respond to top-down, autocratic, “do as I say or else you’re out of here” management.
Perhaps the best leverage we have with employees, is their “why.” Their “why” is the reason they chose to work for you, chose this job, and choose to get out of bed everyday and give their all. It’s their purpose, their cause, the reason they want to contribute, go the extra mile and do what’s needed to meet their goals.
It’s the “why” that connects people to the vision of your organization and gives them energy to keep on keeping on. When you reconnect people to their “why”, you realign them with their passion and create new possibilities for them, removing roadblocks, resignation and even cynicism.
I confess, that after 20 years of leadership development, I have arrived (finally) at a profound respect and appreciation for the complexity of leadership. Inspiring and engaging people to be their best calls for a level of mastery and artistry – an ability and willingness to support people in achieving THEIR dreams and goals (not yours) and the generosity and compassion to keep recalibrating them with their “why.”
What’s your “why”? Do you know the “why” that fuels and drives your employees?
Hi Sandy,
We just surveyed a few managers of different industries on our website. The question was: What motivates you to do your job (other than getting paid)?
It was great to learn about these ‘whys’. Here are four answers:
- Making people happy (that is employees AND customers).
- I feel a responsibility for the safety of the members.
- The idea of adding value or coming up with a solution or new idea.
- Maybe to make a difference in my employees’ lives.