The Prime Leader Is A Motivator

“And he said unto them, I beheld Satan fallen as lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you.” – Luke 10:18-19.

Some leaders are in the business of drawing consistently out of those they lead and never making deposits into their emotional bank accounts. I used to go to this place over my lunch breaks and I would feel really uncomfortable as the lady who ran the place would talk down her employees. She would shout and insult these precious souls in such a way that I would feel compelled to at least say something positive when they would bring my order and leave them a big tip when leaving because I really felt for these people. I realised that it must be a common thing that some leaders do in order for them to be felt and probably respected. Just how long do you think those people will work for you? Do you really believe it is profitable to have employees that curse at the new day because they dread having another encounter with you? The more confident and excited your employees are about their job, the more they will be effective doing what they need to do.

I have realised in my experience that when I am affirmed, I feel really good. Some times it’s really text book style that those affirming me will use and I know it when it’s coming but I still feel good about it anyway. I even realised that grown up as I am, when I was doing my first level French I would feel really great when my teacher would write “Bravo!” next to my mark. It’s in human nature and probably all nature to want to be affirmed and encouraged. Naturally it makes you want to do as good the next time or even better to keep impressing your leaders. It becomes a standard you want to maintain. When you are demoralised on the other hand you wouldn’t care less if you did badly again. You deteriorate to the level where you just want to get your pay at the end of the month. It ceases to be an adventure and becomes a source of livelihood, an obligation to your family to put food on the table.

It does not take much to say, “great job, I appreciate your diligence”, or “thank you so much for your commitment.” Such simple words carry intense power that generates more power inside the recipient. This affirmation makes the person a better person. They not only will become good in the work place but in many areas of their lives. When peoples self esteem is built, they become bolder, more confident, happier, more interesting to be around, more resourceful and definitely more competent. Where I come from, we call this “Building people, building dreams; Transforming people reforming nations.” You say, “What if they are not doing such a good job.” Well, then you should find ways of criticizing the service and not the person. Remember that the job is not the person. It’s the same you use for yourself, you separate yourself as a person from a failed task. People make failed attempts, but they are not failures until they quit.

One of the most effective ways of affirming is third party affirmations. This means that you affirm your staff when you are introducing or talking about them to someone else in their presence. You would say, “This is Peter, our IT head. He is a very resourceful young man and we are so blessed to have him on our staff.” This way, Peter doesn’t feel like you are just saying it because you are not flattering him; you are telling someone else. What are the chances that you will go round the corner and say, “No, I just wanted Peter to feel good about himself. He’s average”? Not likely ha? Yes, and Peter knows it, that is why he will have confidence that you are truly grateful of his input into the company.

Choose today to affirm and motivate people. Motivation is key on the hierarchy of needs. Soldier need it to fight a war. Sports people need it to play strong teams. What do you think coaches tell their teams over the half time break or the time out? Shouting at the players alone will not do much good. Teams need motivational coaches. Strategy is important of course, but without motivation, people are not willing to follow the strategy. People will opt for a place where they earn less but are appreciated and motivated than a place where they are paid more but de-motivated and disrespected. People prefer those who give them things that money can’t buy. Those are the things that really matter.

Affirmation: I affirm, motivate and appreciate people. Each day I decide to appreciate someone for something.