Ducks in a Row: Motivation and Trust
by Miki Saxon
Yesterday’s Oldie was a reminder that there are very view motivators that can beat VSI (vested self-interest) when it comes to engaging your team.
Some people respond to money, but many more respond to intangible rewards.
How do you know what works?
How can you tailor motivators individually for each person?
I’ve heard from bosses at every level that they’re already stretched, they need to focus on the deliverables and their team and just don’t have the time to deal with individuals.
Which is laughable, since the team is comprised of individuals and the bosses job is to engage and motivate them, so the deliverables are delivered on time.
Great managers have no fear of using one of the most efficient approaches, i.e., ask your current team and each new hire.
Don’t suggest or use multiple choice, just ask.
- What makes you eager to come to work?
- If you could choose just one thing, other than compensation, that would light your work fire what would if be?
Don’t ask in a group situation if you want real answers, honest answers.
In fact, don’t ask in person, since you may not be able to control your initial reaction. If that happens it will break trust with that person and it is unlikely to be rebuilt any time soon.
Remember, this isn’t about what motivates you, nor is it any business of yours to judge what motivates someone else.
Hand the questions out in hard copy with each person’s name already on it.
Tell them you are using hardcopy to avoid the chance of accidental leaks and promise their responses won’t be shared with anybody.
It is extremely important that you don’t share them, even anonymously, with anyone, especially inside the company. Doing so for any reason, with anyone is betrayal, pure and simple.
Explain that because all humans are different you want to understand what really matters to each of them and that once you do you’ll do your best to provide it.
Finally, don’t kid yourself, if you don’t honor your promise it is betrayal, the equivalent to sleeping around when in a committed relationship.
If you don’t know how to be faithful, you’re better off just forgetting about this post.
Image credit: Auckland Photo News
