- Incentives (rewards) come in many forms, including compensation, affection, time, and knowledge. Many people are motivated to attain incentives because they value them and believe others do, as well.
- Disincentives are those actions that produce fear or discomfort and motivate people through avoiding the punishment associated with not performing.
- Praise and its cousins recognition, approval and appreciation, are examples of pro-social tactics to motivate and inspire others. Many of us don’t outgrow the need to feel appreciated by those who lead us.
- Autonomy like its brethren responsibility and control, is yet another force for motivating and inspiring others. Some of us have a deep need to control the outcomes of what we produce and to show others what we can achieve without much assistance.
- Challenge and its related ideas of high expectations and competitive spirit are also highly-motivating ideas which compel some people strongly forward.
- Impact on others and a higher reason for performance is a way to influence and motivate others. By emphasising a purpose larger than us and our everyday tasks, and in many cases one that is socially beneficial, people are moved to perform.
- Mastery. Some people have a deep desire to explore, experiment and learn and when leaders offer space and opportunities toward this end, people strive to excel.
But people are very different and what motivates and inspires one person may fail with, or even demotivate, another.
A timeless idea about how to motivate and inspire others is being their fan:
- Take the time to listen and engage
- Find opportunities for others to learn and grow
- Suggest stretch assignments that challenge others to explore their perceived limitations
- Offer feedback and coach people up for performance
- Show up and serve as safety net when others stumble
- Encourage others when they are down or discouraged
- Get others involved in activities they desire to be part of
- Ask others to tag along, shadow or follow you to take part
- Patiently tech others how to overcome an obstacle
- Trust others with a prize issue or responsibility
- Give others the freedom to explore on their own
- Include others in special moments
- Share success and credit with others
- Agree with others in front of their colleagues
Source: Admired Leadership