Three Steps for Inspiring Others to Excel by Cindy Stradling CSP, CPC

One of the most difficult jobs we have as leaders is keeping motivation high among employees. Our ability to inspire has a profound effect on the overall success of our business, as well as on the morale and performance of those around us. Inspiring and motivating others often seems easier in the early days of leading a group, but it can be easy to run out of ideas over time. Here are three strategies that can help you to continue to inspire your team to excel, even if you’ve been together for years.

1. Measure significance as well as success. Employees want to see that their work has an impact on the business. When it comes time to review performance, it’s easy to show the employee how he performed according to the goals that were set for him. It takes a bit more effort, however, to show him how his performance actually impacted the organization. For example, a sales person who brings in revenue would likely be motivated by seeing what the revenue he generated brought to the business. Were you able to hire three more people because he generated a certain amount of dollars? Tell him so, and you’ll inspire even more greatness next year.
2. Give employees ownership. We often give employees accountability, but may not give them ownership, too. Giving ownership, along with accountability, gives the employee more flexibility and creativity in determining how the goals will be accomplished. This allows employees to spread their wings a bit more, and makes their job more interesting and challenging. Next time you assign a project, give the employee the results you expect, but allow plenty of creativity in how they go about achieving those results.
3. Branch out. Your own behavior has a significant impact on that of your team. If you are consistently stretching yourself through learning new skills, increasing your education, or trying to do things in a different way, your employees will be inspired to do the same. When you step up your game, your best employees will feel compelled to step up theirs, as well. If you are complacent, you inspire complacency in others.

 In the end, inspiring others is all about looking at things from new perspectives as often as you can, and ensuring that you are providing an example that your team wants to follow. When you can do these things consistently, you will create an atmosphere of excellence that keeps employees performing at their be.

NOTE: this is the last week we will be drawing the name of a lucky winner of a copy of our Alliance Partner’s book “Blind Spots – Solving Hidden Business Problems”  To enter simply put your first and last name in the subject line of an email and send to cstradling@athenatrainingandconsulting.com – Winners will be announced on the Friday of each week. Enter NOW!