Front-Line Leadership

CHAPTER 7Motivating Others

Do you ever have those days when you're on your way to work and you just feel like you're on top of the world and ready to tackle anything that gets in your way? What about those days where you have absolutely zero desire to get anything accomplished? I am almost certain everyone will say yes to both questions—we've all experienced both. It's unrealistic to think we can have the pep‐band blasting out our favorite “Jock Jams” songs in our head all day (shoutout to those of you who get that ’90s reference).

The first part of this chapter is going to look at motivation, and I will share with you my experiences with one leader specifically and how he motivated those around him. I'll also share some specific practices on what we can do as leaders to better motivate those around us. In the second part of the chapter, I'll share how an international event in 2021 spoke to my values and motivated me to take action.

What Is Motivation?

At its core, motivation is what drives a person to do something. At the most basic level, it's the force that makes us act to make sure our basic needs are met—food, water, shelter, survival—that type of thing. When we get past having our basic needs met, what motivates me may not motivate you, and vice versa. We are all unique, and as leaders it's important to understand the needs of our people and to ensure we tailor our motivational strategies to the individual.

The ability to motivate ourselves and others has long been ...