Let's Get Motivated!

Leaders today, more than ever before, have to win people's cooperation. And there are two main ways of doing so:  motivation and inspiration. Although the two words are often used interchangeably, they actually mean quite different things depending on what you want to achieve.

Motivation is about moving people to act in a way that achieves a specific and immediate goal. When you're motivating people to do something they may not necessarily want to do, you have to offer them something they want in return.

When coaches give their teams a pep talk during halftime, they are using motivation. They want their players to charge back onto the field or the court with renewed energy and focus, even though they may be too tired or disheartened to try. Their reward? Victory.

• Tell people exactly what you want them to do. Motivation is all about getting people to take action, so don't be vague. Avoid generalities like, "I want everyone to do their best." Say, instead, "I need you to come in over the weekend so we can get this project done on time." 
• Limit the amount of time or effort that you're asking for. It's easier to ask people to work late work one night or even every night for a week than to expect them to work late indefinitely. Set an end date. 
• Share in the sacrifice. Leaders don't ask people to do what they themselves aren't willing to do. Roll up your sleeves and share the load. 
• Appeal to their emotions. People are also motivated by (and prefer to be motivated by) positive emotions such as excitement, pride, a sense of belonging and the thrill of achievement. 
• Give people multiple reasons for doing what you want them to do. You can give your own reason or the organization's reason for requesting the action. "If we don't get this project completed on schedule, we'll lose the contract." But the best reason of all is always personal. It would be nice if you could give your people extra days off or even a bonus.

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About the author: As an executive speech coach with more than 25 years of professional experience, Chris Witt is author of the newly released book, Real Leaders Don't Do PowerPoint, and founder of Witt Communications. He helps CEOs gain board approval and company-wide support for initiatives. Witt also empowers newly promoted managers and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses through the power of effective speaking and presenting. In addition, he works with technical experts to simplify their presentations to win multi-million dollar contracts.