UNLOCK THEIR POTENTIAL AND PERFORMANCE

Motivating Skills of Successful Leadership

Part of leading people is driving them. When leaders know and address their drivers, optimal performance happens.

You need these three keys to unlock their potential by motivating them.

Identification.
Want to know what the team is motivated by? Ask them.  Observe their highs and lows as well.  You'll  start to recognize when they are at their best.  Also pay attention to their requests and needs.  That tells you what's important to them.

Adaptation.
Be aware of when something changes. When leadership, team members, repsonsibilities, or policies change, leaders should evaluate how that has impacted the motivation on the team.  Ask questions, and listen to be influenced.

Execution.
When you find out about some thing your team needs and you are in a position to influence or provide it, please do so.  If they value recognition, say thank you when they achieve a milestone. If they need variety, assign them to different committees outside and in addition to their main role.  If they want to feel valued, invest in their development by sending them to school.

These are the things that keep a team willing and able to give their best work sustainably.

Seven Ways to Stay In Touch

Connected, but not Connecting.

Most Americans have at least two communication devices with them most of the time.  We are frequently updating our Facebook statuses, Instagram posts, and Twitter feeds.  We are connected all the time, but as a society, we're not connecting with others as much as we once did.   Just because you share your workout routine or post a picture of your famous meatloaf, doesn't mean you are building relationships.  Here are some quick and easy ways to reach out and connect with others, using the tools at your fingertips right now.  

1.   Send a Linkedin message. Send a message to someone you haven't talked to in a while. Find out how their day, week, or year is going.  Ask them what's new in their world.   

2.  Send a text.  I'm not talking about a group text that you forward to the masses.  A genuine connection is made when you send a one on one message, using the person's name, and letting them know you're thinking about them.

3.  Say Happy Birthday.  Your Google+, Facebook, and/or Linkedin page will probably keep you informed of when birthdays occur.  Use that information to reach out. You might even send an e-card.

4.  Congratulate.  And, if you have any social media outlet, you are kept informed of who's graduation, who's getting marriage, and who's been promoted.  Let them know you're paying attention and care about their good fortune.

5.  Inform.  If you read an article, book, post, or blog that you think would be useful to someone, share it with them.  This goes beyond sharing something with all your followers, friends, or contact.  Craft a personal message.  For example, let your friend Julie know that you saw the article about raising twins in Tennessee and thought about her little Gretchen and Greg.  

6.  Follow up.  We've all done it.  You run into an old colleague at the bank or pharmacy, and you promise to be in touch or get together.  Well, do it.  Call, email or text them 

7.  Invite.  If you're going to a luncheon, networking event, or even a garden show, contact an associate who you think might enjoy that experience.  Let them know you would love to see them there.  You don't have to ask for a commitment to attend; they will be happy to know you considered them.

Angela Nelson

www.yourenhance.com  |  Enhance Business Solutions is your source for leadership coaching, career skills, employee development, and training.  

Five Critical Leadership Skills You Need Now

1. Read.

Research shows that reading non-fiction material like leadership articles or self-help books, help increase your problem solving and critical thinking abilities.  Reading fiction creates more empathy, which is also useful as a leader.   

Recommendation:  read two non-fiction and one fiction item, per quarter.

2. Ask.

If you are in sales, you ask for the business.  If you have a boss, you ask for permission or information.  If you're on a team, you might ask for suport.  As a leader, do you ask your team what they need from you and do you encourage them to ask questions as well?  

Recommendation:  During any team meeting, do more asking than telling.    

3. Make Decisions Creatively.

This includes gathering other's ideas, considering opposing viewpoints, and processing solutions other than your own.  You'll need to review pros and cons for each possibility.

Recommendation:  Come up with 3 solutions to a problem.  Write down risks and gains for each of them before making a final decision.

4. Collaborate.

Work with others on team, network, and be willing to help.  Even if your job requires mostly solo work, look for opportunities to engage with others.

Recommendations:  volunteer for a task force, focus committee, or affinity group. 

5.  Take Care.

No one wants to work for a rundown, unhappy leader.  It affects the dynamic, momentum and morale of the team.  And, as a result it can also affect team performance.  If you find yourself continually stressed out and it shows, it's time to take a different approach.

Recommendation:  Engage in a 15-minute de-stressor activity twice a day, everyday.  This might include a walk, meditating in your car, or reading something 'light'.

www.yourenhance.com

 Enhance Business Solutions, llc is your source for training, coaching, employee development, and leadership skills improvement.

Angela Nelson

consultant and chief learning officer