Focus Confidence Momentum

I learned about this terrific idea recently. As part of hiring people and then through the performance review process create a list of ways that they like to be motivated. The biggest part of this is asking them from time about what motivates them. Then when the time comes you’ll know what should work.

This responds to two notions. Firstly, that many managers naturally think that others like to be motivated in the same way as they do. For example, people who are motivated by money usually expect that others are as well. Secondly, there are a multitude of ways to motivate people that are not used enough. This multitude fits roughly into three categories; the leader’s time, things or status. Here are three lists.

Time: generous feedback, lunch with boss, attention to their work, feedback, coaching, mentoring, managing by walking around, friendship.

Things: money, time off, new desk or location, new colleagues, mini-rewards [cookies, cars etc.].

Status:challenging assignments, responsibility, job changes, team change, titles, badges, public praise, medals, uniforms, independence, competition, make their job easier or harder, working with the best clients, leading edge work.

Now, without including money think about what motivates you and others you need to motivate.