Are You Really Motivating Your Team? Motivation comes through, among other things, trust. It’s difficult to encourage someone to do their highest quality, most innovative work for you if they don’t think you trust them to do so. Though you may not see it yourself, actions such as micromanaging speak loudly of your lack of confidence in this individual’s ability to do his job correctly. In their book Head, Heart & Guts: How the World’s Best Companies Develop Complete Leaders, authors David L. Dotlich , Peter C. Cairo & Stephen H. Rhinesmith discuss the reason some of today’s leaders still stunt the growth of their people through avoiding the simple task of delegating and then truly letting go: Many leaders grow up in organizations where they believe that if they don’t do something themselves, it won’t get done—or won’t get done the right way (meaning their way.) They feel compelled to control white space between functions and departments rather than manage it. They don’t realize that trust is essential. Leaders who emphasize controls and excessive attention to details can quickly de-motivate people and undermine an organization’s ability to succeed. Trust is a fascinating concept. Leaders tell me that subordinates must prove themselves in order to earn this leader’s trust. Subordinates tell me how the leader’s lack of trust holds them back from performing at their highest level. Both statements are valid. A wise leader recently shared his key to strengthening his team--‘trust but verify.’ This approach allows this leader to do what he does best—lead (not control.) It is also safe in that there are points when he verifies the accuracy of the work being performed though not getting in the way of his people’s creativity or unique approach. Do members of his team stumble and sometimes make mistakes? Of course they do. It's all part and parcel of growing and developing into stronger contributors. Their loyalty increases as they feel more a part of the organization rather than individuals simply taking orders. This week, simply notice where you may be de-motivating those around you by taking too much control. See how a little well-placed trust may bring about more favorable results. In other words, allow your people to surprise and amaze you. Enjoy your discoveries and have a grand week! Ann : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Share the Good News If you like what you read here, please share it! We at Golden Visions Success Coaching will never use lists or send unsolicited ezines to grow our list of readers; however, we love adding new subscribers. We invite you to forward this newsletter to your friends or colleagues in it's entirety. Why not put your entire company or team on our list to receive these weekly motivators? It's easy. If you have a list of five or more names, please send it to pat@paperworkpartners.com and they'll start receiving their own 'Success Thoughts' next week. As always, it's great to be in touch with our subscribers in 'ten' countries!! Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, United Kingdom, and USA. If you receive these 'Thoughts' and live in a country that I have not mentioned, please let me know so I can salute you. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
Copyright & Permission Copyright © 1998-2008 All rights reserved Permission is granted to either reproduce copy or distribute "Your Success Thought for the Week for "August 13, 2008" as long as this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached. The author is Ann Golden Eglé, GV&A, Golden Visions & Associates, Coaching for Success, 541.385.8887, PO Box 1696, Bend, Or. 97709. www.GVAsuccess.com
|
