Applying Self-Determination Theory for Leadership Success

“Love what you do. Get good at it. Competence is a rare commodity in this day and age. And let the chips fall where they may.” -Jon Stewart

In global leadership, harnessing the sheer force of motivation and autonomy is a non-negotiable skill. Enter the game-changer: Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Crafted by the academics Deci and Ryan, SDT suggests that, at our core, we’re all fueled by three elemental psychological needs – autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Now, when we view SDT through the lens of leadership, it offers insights into motivating and engaging teams globally. This blog post will explore three actionable leadership guidelines rooted in SDT principles for leaders keen on elevating their impact and effectiveness.?

Cultivate Autonomy and Ownership:

As a leader, you need to foster inspiration within your team. This requires acknowledgment of the intrinsic human need for autonomy. Imagine cultivating an environment where your team takes charge of their work, solidifying trust, which frees up your bandwidth for the big-picture initiatives. Empower your team to be architects of their decisions, offering guidelines and unwavering support while granting autonomy in crafting strategies. Trusting your team to handle tasks without micromanagement cultivates more creativity. Seek to create a culture of ownership where each team member experiences a profound “this is mine” sentiment. Reward initiative, autonomy, and continuous learning.?

Nurture and Celebrate Competence and Mastery:

It is imperative that your team feel competent in their roles…their motivation and job satisfaction hinge on competence. Collaboratively set challenging objectives and regularly provide constructive feedback to help teammates appreciate their strengths and areas for improvement. Feedback should be specific, timely, and focused on growth. Create an environment where people can talk to one another in a culture of growth mindset– where they are encouraged to evolve and share their knowledge and expertise. Mentor to facilitate skill-sharing and learning opportunities.

Foster Meaningful Connections:

Relatedness, the third pillar of SDT, emphasizes the importance of meaningful connections and relationships in the workplace. Leaders today must prioritize building connections now that work is happening more and more in the virtual world. To build a deep connection, you must ensure that all team members feel valued and included, regardless of their background or title. Encourage diversity of perspectives with team-building activities that bridge geographical gaps and strengthen relationships. Actively listen to your team members’ concerns and ideas. Show empathy and understanding when they face challenges or need support. One great way to support people on your team is by scheduling regular one-on-one meetings to check in and learn about how things are going, career aspirations, and overall well-being (including family!). And always publically call out breakthroughs and creative solutions.

Bottom line: Self-Determination Theory offers a great framework for leaders to excel in our VUCA world. Retaining top talent is easy with a culture of autonomy, competence, and connection.?