Most of us don’t feel motivated and according to statistics, most of us wish that our bosses were better at motivating us.

The problem is, as a manager, we do not have the luxury of not performing and not being positive. The pressure to get the best out of our employees is endless. We must deal with whatever we have to and still motivate those around us. The work involved in motivating or inspiring others is emotionally draining and the cost is ……… our own motivation. 

Few managers are exceptional at rallying the troops. You do not have to be a superstar to motivate or inspire those around you, anyone can motivate or inspire a team of people. It is the commitment to the mission and having the right mindset that boosts the team.

First, we need to understand the difference between motivation and inspiration. When there is a specific short-term goal that must be met, we motivate. We push people to achieve something, and we reward them for it. When we need long-term goals met, we inspire. Inspiration involves changing the way people act and think. There is no reward promised, the satisfaction is in a job well done.

Planning ahead can provide the clarity that you need to motivate and inspire, even when you are struggling with your own motivation. Knowing that each of us has different values and is motivated in a different way is a key part in the process. You need to look at each individual and understand what drives them and then leverage it to achieve your goal.

When motivating, explain exactly what you want them to do and set an end date. Agree to the reward; an extra off day, bonus or something as intangible as the team spirit that comes from achieving your goal. Fear can be an effective motivator but can also be a big de-motivating factor. So be very careful when saying something like “if we don’t achieve this, we’ll all lose our jobs” too often. Remember to walk the walk, you can’t expect your team to do the work and then you don’t.

People are not inspired by the ordinary or common expectations. To inspire, you must draw on emotions and imagination. Tell a story that will ask them to act in a manner that is consistent with their values, and will ask them to demonstrate what they are capable of. Change the focus of every conversation from the ordinary to possibility.

You can be a motivational / inspirational manager, everyone can. It is just a matter of identifying the correct moment and situation.