They are now running at it. People – politicians – are even trying to persuade me to part with money to support their campaign. Jeez, haven’t I given enough in taxes? Do you feel weary? Do they? You wouldn’t guess it from the spring in their steps as their step up to the microphone.
Who will win the election? Who has the most money? Who has the most ideas? Or, perhaps more basically, who has the most energy – the most perceived energy. And what is energy? It is motivation writ large. They call it mobilising their troops, but critically it is energising all those around us.
What, then, are the best management tips for motivating others? Let me in the free spirit of democracy offer my crumbs to all Parties. You want to win the Election? Then make sure that everybody in your camp is motivated – because if you do, then a process of osmosis sets in, and everyone around feels it, wants it, and finds it credible to vote for.
Here are ten top tips for the Party leaders to use on a minute by minute basis.
Number 1: always be motivated yourself, and give the lead – it’s infectious. Do that corny but effective ritual first thing in the morning: look in the mirror and say, I feel great, I am full of energy, I am the conqueror. Tell yourself with conviction, then go out and live the dream.
Two: look for and find members of your team doing things right – catch them – praise them immediately.
Three: treat everybody with respect, which means – difficult lesson coming up – listen a lot. Yes, listen a lot, and stop the cackle.
Four: help your people learn – you know why you should be PM, but their view may be much more limited – limited to: if he’s in power then I get this job – widen their horizons! Increases in learning produce increases in self-esteem and performance.
Five: make them feel they belong – they are part of your exclusive club – avoid the sense of cabals and inner circles.
Six: stop micro-managing with central directives, give them more control, allow them to do things their way.
Seven: acknowledge their ideas, publicly where possible, and reward achievement. Remember, ‘strokes’ are rewards too – see Nine.
Eight: give them a challenge – it’s challenging enough winning a seat – add to that in some way, and talk as if you know they can do it.
Nine: say thank you, and make strong eye contact when you do.
Ten: try to understand their motivations and feed them – review the above suggestions and work out which suit which individuals. Treat them personally.
Now with the above suggestions in your armoury – if you have time – go out and conquer. Remember, feed the motivations of yourself, and your team.
The Mapping Motivation Series 