If you take a look at all successful people you are going to find that one the qualities they possess is the ability to get things done through people or in other words it's their ability to motivate or move people to action.

In all of my years in management I have found that this is one of the most crucial skills a leader can have within any organization, whether it be a church, business, family, club, or toastmasters. Without the ability to excite and motivate people you will find that that particular organization will become lifeless.

What makes this such a needed quality is the fact that people are all different. Everyone is motivated by something different. We all have different needs, wants, and desires. It is up to the leader or manager to determine what that is within everyone he supervises. This is a must to keep people happy and motivated. For one person it may be time off, for another it may be money, for yet another it may be praise and recognition, and still another promotions will do the trick. Some employees just want to hear you say thank you for a job well done and sincerely mean it. If you say it just to have something to say associates will pick up on this very quickly. Be sincere even with constructive criticism.

Leaders need to understand that you cannot motivate people but you can create an environment whereby people will become motivated.

As difficult as the job is it gets easier if you observe these guidelines:

1. Always treat people with respect
2. Make sure you communicate clearly; precisely and concise. Give clear direction .
3. Be open and honest with team members. This will help gain their respect.
4. Know your team members and know what their needs, wants, and desires are and work to fulfill those as best you can.

5. If someone is not living up to expectations take the time to understand why. Then come together and put an action plan together that will help that employee develop and come up to speed. Sometimes it may call for moving that individual to another department or letting them perform another job.

6. Try to catch someone doing some good or great and praise them then and there right in front of everyone. Then re emphasize it again in a team meeting. Always look out for the good. There will always be the bad, but actively look for the good and accentuate the positive.

When people see that you have their best interest at heart they will be motivated and happy.

Learn more about this author, Melvin Richardson.
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