Some Hard Truths About Motivating Your Troops

In the hectic train network that mirrors teamwork, motivation is the conductor guiding the ensemble of trains safely towards destination. 

Picture a team brimming with energy, passion, and a shared commitment to excellence. It's the dream of every leader, yet the path to achieving this utopia is often fraught with misconceptions and unspoken truths about motivation. 

In this article we will faithfully attempt to unravel the truths about motivating your troops and shatter the most commonly held taboos that may be holding your team back.

Motivation is a touchy subject, littered with unspoken truths. 

These truths and other taboos, like silent saboteurs, can impact team dynamics and hinder performance. De-rail it even. Acknowledging and addressing these taboos is the first yet necessary step towards fostering a motivated and engaged team. 

In the realm of motivation, truth is the beacon that guides us. It's time to peel back the layers and face these truths head-on, embracing the nuances that make each team member unique.

Truth #1: Motivation is Individualized

Here's the unspoken reality: one size does not fit all when it comes to motivation. 

Each team member is a unique individual with distinct aspirations, values, and motivators. Recognizing and understanding these differences is the key to lighting the fire in their belly and unlocking their full potential.

Imagine a team where every member is seen and heard, where leaders take the time to understand what makes each person tick. It's a landscape where personalized approaches, tailored to individual needs, become the cornerstone of motivation.

Truth #2: Intrinsic Motivation Trumps Extrinsic Motivation

External rewards and incentives may offer short-term boosts, but the real magic lies within. 

Intrinsic motivation, that internal fire fuelled by passion and purpose, is the true driver of long-term engagement. It's the difference between ticking boxes for a reward and wholeheartedly investing in the journey.

Consider a scenario where team members are intrinsically motivated, finding fulfillment in the work itself. It's a dynamic where the pursuit of excellence becomes its own reward, creating a culture of sustained motivation.

Truth #3: Autonomy and Empowerment Drive Motivation

Empowerment is the secret spice that enhances motivation. Picture a team where autonomy is not just a buzzword but its guiding principle. When team members are empowered to make decisions and take ownership of their work, motivation flourishes.

In this landscape, trust becomes the foundation, and delegation is not just a task but a pathway to growth. It's an environment where team members feel valued and motivated to contribute their best.

Truth #4: Purpose and Meaning Are Key Motivators

Motivation thrives in a garden of purpose and meaning. Imagine a team that understands the broader impact of their work—a team driven by a clear and compelling purpose. When team members connect their values with the organization's mission, the result is an exquisite blend  of collective motivation.

It's not just about completing tasks; it's about contributing to something larger than oneself. In this type of purpose-infused environment, motivation is not just a fleeting emotion but a sustained force that confidently propels the team forward.

Truth #5: Continuous Recognition and Feedback are Essential

Recognition is the currency of motivation. What a dream a workplace it would be where timely and specific acknowledgment is woven into the very fabric of the team culture. It's a realm where leaders understand the power of a genuine 'thank you' and the impact of frequent, constructive, timely feedback.

Communication becomes a two-way street, with leaders providing meaningful recognition and feedback, and team members feeling seen and valued. It's the Super-Bowl of appreciation that fuels a culture of continuous motivation.

Truth #6: Motivation Requires Continuous Effort

Dispelling a common myth, motivation is not a one-time event but a continuous effort. Habit and discipline of the leader engenders discipline and habit in their team members.  It's a commitment to the well-being and growth of each team member.

Leadership is a dynamic force, infusing energy and willpower into the system and consistently nurturing motivation within the team. 

In this landscape, motivation proves a steady thus reliable wind that propels the team forward through challenges and triumphs alike.

Truth #7: Tear down the Taboos and Overcome Any Barriers to Motivation

Now, let's quickly touch on the barriers that often prevent open conversations about motivation. What a great place to arrive to every morning it would be where these taboos are dismantled and replaced by an environment that encourages open dialogue about what truly motivates and ‘ticks-off’ each team member. 

Taboos such as favouritism, factionalism and bullying all need their own play-time to air for their honest, open and thorough treatment to take place.

Leaders, it goes without saying, play a pivotal role in creating safe and supportive spaces in the workplace. 

It's about fostering an atmosphere where team members feel secure and comfortable expressing their motivators, aspirations, peeves and concerns. Open conversations become an expansive ‘harbour bridge’ that connects leaders with their teams, creating a culture of transparency and understanding.

So, leaders, now is the time to break the taboos and have open conversations about motivation. Firmly embrace real truths, nurture an environment where motivation can flourish, and watch as your team transforms into a powerhouse of passion and excellence. 

The distance to motivated troops begins with a first and single step—one that acknowledges the truths and inspires a culture of continuous growth and achievement.

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You may want to also check out the following:

ART:

Glen Garry Glen Ross(1992) with Al Pacino and Alec Baldwin

Remember the Titans (2000) with Denzel Washington

BOOKS:

Whale Done(2002) by Kenneth Blanchard

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. Pink: Pink explores the science of motivation, offering insights into what truly drives individuals to excel in their work.

"Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't" by Simon Sinek: Sinek explores the dynamics of trust and cooperation within organizations, drawing on a multitude of examples 

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Emanuel Perdis is a trauma-informed Anger Management therapist who administers therapeutic counselling for individuals as well as couples. His key specialties for counselling are Anger, Relationships, Trauma and Anxiety. All therapy is delivered online, via Zoom, and enquiries can be made through https://www.emanuelperdis.com/let-s-talk or on the phone via +61 412 288 081