Have you ever wondered what truly motivates your employees? Simply asking them, "What motivates you?" might not yield insightful answers for most. Understanding their motivation can be a confusing or perplexing task, especially for those in leadership roles. It's a question that has lingered for ages, at least in our combined leadership experience here at Incept.
Is it Pizza?
The idea that something as simple as pizza can be a motivational tool may seem overly simplistic. In reality, motivation is a deeply individualized concept. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to please everyone all the time; however, our aim isn't to merely please individuals. It's about discovering their purpose, goals, and desires. Their motivations might extend beyond the workplace – perhaps they aspire to buy a house, a car, or provide a better education for their children. Our role as leaders is to enable their success, whether it's owning a house or pursuing various life goals. The book "The Dream Manager" by Matthew Kelly delves into this, highlighting different motivations – professional, creative, financial, adventure, and more. Connecting their actions to their ultimate motivations is where your relationship with your employee is crucial and where it blossoms.
So, what's the key?
The heart of motivating your employees lies in your relationship with them. It's not about pizza, promotions, or raises. Employees may do the minimum to avoid disappointing you or to advance in their careers, but true motivation stems from understanding who they are and why they do what they do. This understanding revolves around your relationship with your employees.
Here's the golden nugget:
Employee motivation is intricately tied to the depth of your relationship with them. By comprehending their internal motivations and delving into the "why," both your employees and your organization will reap the rewards (and continue reaping them as well!).
How can you make this a reality?
Prioritize employee engagement by conducting one-on-one meetings with clear agendas. Approach each meeting as an opportunity to build relationships. This approach is the path to uncovering what genuinely motivates your employees. Only when you understand their motivations can you effectively support and guide them towards success.
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Conclusion
Motivation isn't about superficial rewards or generic incentives – company perks and incentives have their own unique timing and value, but it's about recognizing what drives each individual, and that insight can only be achieved through strong relationships with your employees. By prioritizing engagement you will watch your team flourish.