How to Motivate Others to Be Productive

by Timothy Howe

No chain is stronger than its weakest link. Thus, it is important that every person in an organization contributes his or her best for highest mutual achievement. Yet, there are times when someone lacks motivation to move the organization forward to the degree necessary. How a leader attempts to motivate others is important. Done poorly and the opposite could result. How does a leader motivate without the risk of discouraging others?

Define a succinct objective
A key to motivation goes back to the earliest stages of a task, a project or employment. The leader must articulate the objective of the organization or task in a succinct manner that captures the imagination of the soul. If someone is unable to retell the objective, then they don't get it and they won't accomplish it.


Share in setting goals
One task of a leader is to move others towards goals that benefit the group. Yet, no one likes to be told what to do. One way that a leader can get someone to sign on to the task is by having him or her share in setting the goals expected of him or her. By starting at a point of shared expectation the leader creates "buy-in" while creating an effective tool for follow-up. 


Establish benchmarks jointly
Similar to sharing in goal-setting, the leader will find that someone who is able to help establish his or her benchmarks will be more likely to achieve them. For starters, he or she will have no excuse of lack of awareness of what was expected. Better though, by having a say in personal accountability, a person is able to assess what is realistic and will have a certain pride in achieving or excelling past the benchmark. 


Announce reviews well in advance
It is disheartening to be told of an imminent meeting in which one must provide accountability. People are better motivated if they are aware of a review well in advance. This permits them to organize a schedule that anticipates work at a regulated progress which can be charted to determine achievement.


Remain in constant communication
As the saying goes, "out of sight, out of mind." A leader must remain in constant communication with those he or she leads. This does not need to involve lengthy meetings; just a quick word or message will suffice. The leader must remain in clear communication that keeps the objective in front of the person or group.  


Provide regular encouragement
In any worthwhile endeavor, there are setbacks. Miscalculations, interruptions, poor planning, technical problems are just a few of the things that can go wrong. A leader will use positive reinforcement to re-encourage the team to move forward. Everyone needs a cheerleader sometimes. Sure, the negative task-master can force a project to be accomplished, but the motivation will eventual do harm to the team, if not now, definitely later. 


A leader can find a way to motivate others to be productive.