One of the most motivational people I have ever known is Truett Cathy. In 1946, he started his chicken sandwich empire by selling his car in order to scrape together enough money to open a restaurant. He eventually became the founder of Chick-fil-A. Despite massive success, he made it a point to always look people in the eye, tell them what they needed to hear, and leave them feeling energized. He was a master motivator with some priceless motivational techniques.
He wasn’t loud. He wasn’t rude. Mr. Cathy simply challenged people to try their best and do it with kindness. It was effective, and his “my pleasure” legacy lives on. If you’re a leader, it would be worth your time to research and study Mr. Cathy’s methods. As I have tried to develop my own leadership style, I’ve found that breaking out of the mold and trying some unconventional things has real upsides. Here are 5 surprising motivational techniques.
1. Consistent Encouragement
It’s easy for leaders to fall in love with the idea of progress so much that they inadvertently forget the process can be a grind. The people you’re leading may experience more of the friction of progress. Encouragement from you recognizes their effort. Most people react more positively to encouragement than being torn down. So, don’t miss a chance to motivate with a compliment or inspiring word.
Try saying something uplifting to three people you lead each day.
2. Getting Out of the Way
A lot of leaders make the mistake of thinking they have to be totally hands-on for anything to function properly. It comes across as overbearing micromanagement. A better way to motivate the people you’re leading is by getting out of the way. Delegating isn’t a bad word. In fact, it’s a good leadership technique. By charting a course and letting go of the wheel, you’ll empower somebody else to tackle important tasks, free yourself up, and set them up for success.
Try instituting a “no comment” timeframe after delegating so you don’t give mixed messages.
3. Providing Tailored Feedback
Some people you lead need to be challenged. Others need to be encouraged. Give the appropriate feedback for the person you’re leading. A one-size-fits-all approach adds confusion sometimes. Take the guesswork out of the equation by being direct in the way people receive feedback best. It will motivate people to keep working hard.
Try asking the people around you what kind of words motivate them. Make a list and keep it handy.
4. Regular Shoutouts
In our office’s weekly staff meeting, employees are encouraged to start the gathering with “shoutouts.” It’s fun for me to watch the compliments roll in. Each person who wants to share takes turns patting coworkers on the back with kind words and recognition. It does two things—it encourages praise and boosts motivation. People who feel seen and appreciated tend to work harder for the people around them.
Try making time to allow the people around you to give compliments and be selfless.
5. One Swing at a Time
If you’ve ever tried to cut down a tree with an ax, you know it probably won’t fall in one swing. Not even Paul Bunyan was strong enough to do that. Tackling a giant project can feel overwhelming, so don’t ask the people you’re leading to knock the tree down in a day. Set realistic deadlines and encourage people to nibble away at the problem. It helps them avoid burnout, and the incremental progress will help provide motivation. Saddling people with too much to do at once won’t boost productivity. Have reasonable expectations for what your team can do, and your team will be far more likely to deliver.
Try planning as far ahead as possible and setting realistic, doable deadlines.
What motivational techniques have yielded the most success for you as a leader? Share in a comment.
