How to Motivate Your Team
Liesbeth van der Linden MBA PCC
Global Executive Coach | Owner of GLTD Ltd. | Author of Connect, Inspire, Grow |
We’re all people. Part of being human is having talents and capabilities, as well as fears and insecurities. As a leader, recognizing this duality in yourself and others is crucial for motivation and growth.
Empower Through Belief
When you want to motivate your team, it’s essential that you show them that they can accomplish more than they believe they can. Some team members may want to be leaders, just like you. Let them know that you believe in their potential. This belief is a powerful motivator as they notice you always see their best qualities.
Overcoming Self-Imposed Limitations
Your people often create barriers for themselves, telling you reasons why things can’t be done. They set limitations for themselves, create imaginary problems, and make excuses. These are manifestations of their fears and insecurities. Don’t buy into that. Your role is to see their potential, helping them push past these self-imposed limitations.
Impact of Belief on Self-Esteem
The ability to see potential in your team members is a significant motivation booster. It can have a tremendous impact on their self-esteem. You might be the first person ever to express such confidence in them. It can inspire them to get the best out of themselves. When they know that you believe in them, they are willing to reach further. It may feel uncomfortable as you stretch them to do things they have never done before. Your trust encourages them to try and go for it. That’s how they learn and grow and achieve more.
Earlier in my career, I was fortunate to have had a leader like that. During the most challenging circumstances, I knew I could persevere, take risks, and get the job done, knowing my boss had an unwavering belief in me. He would never buy into my excuses if I’d give up. Even when outcomes weren’t as expected, he would always acknowledge and praise me for trying and for stretching myself.
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The Human Factor
Everyone has flaws; you have them, and your team has them. But we can all be achievers if we are led by good leaders who understand that.
Robert Greenleaf, in his book ’The Servant as Leader’ says: “It is part of the enigma of human nature that the ‘typical’ person—immature, stumbling, inept, lazy is capable of great dedication and heroism if he or she is wisely led.”
To create a high-performing team, we must learn to “weld a team of such people by lifting them up to grow taller than they would otherwise be.”
Let’s Lead!