5 Ways to Motivate Your Colleagues to Action
Sometimes we wake up invigorated and ready to tackle our daily tasks. On other days we drag our feet but something pushes us on. It might be an external factor or an internal push, but we just find a way to keep going.
Motivating others is different and more complex, especially when you need people to act in a particular way. But understanding what fuels motivation will help you motivate others better.
Want to know how to encourage others to action? Read on
As a leader, coach, business owner, or upper management staff, you can’t simply order people to do what you want. Some won’t follow your directions. A few will assent half-heartedly, while others may agree for a short time, only to become uninterested later.
To get people to take action, you will have to earn their support. You can do this by properly motivating and stimulating them.
So what does it mean to motivate people to take action?
Motivating people to action means stirring individuals to behave in a particular way towards achieving a goal. Meaning you may have to proffer or show them the rewards of their efforts.
For instance, an electoral campaign team may have to explain to a potential voter, why they have to leave their comfort zone to vote. They can do this by showing the electorate that whoever they put in a particular position determines some aspects of their lives for the next few years.
Forms of Motivation
Below are four distinct forms of motivation that can induce people to take action.
Extrinsic Motivation
Extrinsic motivation comes from external sources. We act a particular way because the person compelling us has some authority, e.g., an employer.
This motivation type works well in hire-for-pay circles since people work and are rewarded with salaries and bonuses. But this becomes less effective when you want an individual to become self-powered.
So if you notice that your group’s motivation wanes, use extrinsic motivation by offering or showing rewards or punishments for their actions.
Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation stimulates a person for internal motives like a value or belief. This motivation exists when an individual derives satisfaction from performing a task. In the workplace, people get intrinsically stimulated by a personal interest or a boss who arouses them.
Introjected Motivation
Introjected motivation is related to intrinsic motivation because it is internalized. But it is different because, after self-motivation, the person feels guilty if they don’t perform the task.
Identified Motivation
Identified motivation occurs when individuals know they have to act or do something but haven’t decided to proceed. Use this by asking cohorts questions about their purpose and what they seek to achieve. Use their answers as a mechanism for motivation.
Now let’s discuss how you can motivate those around you.
5 Ways to Motivate Others to Action
- Regulate Work Intervals and Effort
An excellent way to motivating people is by checking the amount of time and effort required from them. You can ask team members to work late for a few days during the week so as to complete a task, which is due for completion soon. But don’t make this a routine.
Do this…
Let them understand the goals in question and give them a reward to look forward to. People get motivated when they believe they have a purpose and there is a reward like extra off days or paid bonuses for additional work hours.
- Be a Part of the Responsibility
Accomplished leaders motivate through examples. They are not afraid to be and do the same thing they expect from their followers. Be an exemplary leader by performing some roles, yourself. It will inspire them to act responsibly.
If your members of staff or colleagues have to work on a weekend, be present. Always aim to inspire others through self-sacrifice and action. Don’t ask followers or neighbors to do something you won’t do.
- Charm Emotions
Focus people’s attention on positive thinking. Don’t use negative words or fear tactics; they only demotivate. Don’t tell team members that they will lose their roles if they don’t increase output. Instead tell them how their pay may increase or how they will get free time if they complete their tasks quickly and efficiently.
What’s more…
Compliment them for their efforts. A thank you note, praise, or public appreciation will provide loads of stimulation. Also, don’t forget that humans love excitement, so use positive emotions, thrills, and affirmations to increase productivity.
- Present Multiple Reasons and Results
Use personalized tactics. Don’t tell teammembers about the organization’s need to increase productivity. Sometimes, playing to the gallery doesn’t work. So don’t go threatening people with losing their positions.
Get personal, tell them what they will gain, and how it will positively affect their personal and work lives.
Here’s the thing…
Presenting various explanations works for mass actions. You can spearhead a climate redemption action group. Explain to your members what they and future generations stand to gain if industries reduce carbon emissions. Tell them why it’s essential to clean up plastic from the environment.
Try to use numerous motives so you can appeal to the eccentricities of the distinct individuals you lead.
- Facilitate and Help Them Cultivate New Skills
People need various types of skills to succeed or perform tasks correctly. Help them build these skills. Do not focus on technical or safety skills alone. Shape other latent skills that serve as a foundation for different abilities. For instance, enroll them in leadership seminars.
Doing this will increase their perceived value to your vision and work well to motivate them.
Finally…
To get people to do the right thing, you sometimes need to go beyond telling them what to do or how to get things done. Take the bull by the horn, by leading the way.
Before you know it, everyone is following your steps. Whether at your place of work at your home, you can create change.
Remember, a beautiful world starts with you.