Cosst Analysis

10 Rules I Live by to Motivate

#1 Always be positive, open and genuine. Always.

Every business - nearly every day - has its challenges.  Do not try and “wish” them away – take immediate action and solve the problem.  Openly acknowledge the issues with your team and stakeholders.  At the same time, however, I’ve found it’s more effective to counterbalance the negative message with a positive one and to accentuate the exciting components of the business that haven’t changed.  When I think about the many challenges I’ve faced, the company and the people involved (including me) were always stronger afterwards.  If I had been distracted or weighed down in despair and blame, I would have missed the opportunity that was revealed in solving the problem.

I want to reemphasize that timing is a critical element.   Simultaneously reveal the issue and your plan to address it, or you’ll lose credibility. People need to know that you get it and are on it.  Equally important is that they see your continued (if not increasing) belief in the business.

The real key to harnessing positive energy is bringing others along with you. I happen to believe this is true in all aspects of your life. When people around you start being negative (and they will), help redirect their energy into solving problems versus spreading them. Our reactions to obstacles were formed early on and it takes some practice to change them. That’s where the job of a motivating leader feels more like a football coach. Understand your team and what drives each of your team members.

That takes me back to the “always” part of the rule. Always be positive and manically focus on moving the organization forward, EVEN if it feels like the company just took a step backwards. That’s when it’s the most important time to lead.

Rule #2: Don’t multitask during conversations

Multitasking is not new and has always been an issue. However, technology has increased the number of distractions we're faced with, and the...