John S. Gordon - Business and Personal Coach

"You have the greatness and the power.  I just help you turn on the switch."

MARVELOUS MONDAYS

 

April 6, 2015 - Issue 324

 

The Aristotelian Motivators

 

This is the fifth in a series on Motivation.
Dear ,

Welcome to Issue 324.  The mission of "Marvelous Mondays" is to offer an inspirational thought, a practical exercise, some humor, or a simple tip to jump-start your week and to enhance your life, business, outlook or relationships. 

 

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Motivate, Influence, Persuade.

In order to motivate others, leaders must first be able to influence the team, who then can be motivated to embrace and implement the vision of the leader. 

Aristotle's Three Motivators.

In his "On Rhetoric " Aristotle describes the three requisites for a leader to persuade (influence) and motivate the team.


1. Ethos. This is about ethics and character. It's the personal integrity of the leader. In today's parlance it's called "walking the talk". Ethos is the foundation for being a leader who is "real". A leader needs ethos in order to build trust and respect.

 

2. Pathos. Pathos is the path and is the empathy. It's the leader's way of evoking the emotions of others to help them connect to something that is meaningful and even noble.

3. Logos. This means the reasons and the logic behind the leader's plan or vision. Notice that Aristotle places this as the last of the requisites. 
The IKEA Example Of Ethos.

Ingvar Kamprad, founder of the famous IKEA furniture, had a mission to manufacture and sell furniture at an affordable price. Thriftiness was at the core of his company. Even though he is one of the richest persons in the world, his personal ethos of thriftiness was the symbol of the company. For example, even at age 89 he flew economy class and would take a bus from the airport rather than a taxi. He was an example of "walking the talk".

Exercise
1. Ethos. What is your talk? Are you walking your talk?


2. Pathos. What is your style of evoking the emotions and feelings of others? How are you considerate of others?

 

3. Logos. Is your plan clear? Is it well reasoned? Does it match your vision?

 

"We believe good men more fully and more readily than others." 

Aristotle (382-322 B.C) Greek Philosopher


JOHN'S BIO
John has owned several businesses and is an attorney who has practiced in the business and estate  areas.  In addition, he coaches business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, speech makers and presenters.  He also coaches persons who are determined to accelerate their careers and leadership skills or who are considering a career move or retirement.  John uses coaching as a tool in his leadership and business results based consulting.  He is also a life coach.

                   **John is currently accepting a few new coaching clients.**