Management Rules: 50 New Rules for Managers

CHAPTER 3

HOW TO MOTIVATE YOUR TEAM: PRINCIPLES

For the unwary, motivation can be like quicksands. At one end of the spectrum there are the motivational speakers who tell you about climbing up Everest on a pogo stick, naked and backwards. This is meant to inspire us to manage better. At the other end there are the Scrooge-type managers who snarl “Bah! Humbug!” at the mention of motivation or Christmas.

Most of the principles of how to motivate a team are well known. Your team will feel well motivated if they:

• Work for a worthwhile cause
• Have a meaningful role
• Feel supported in their role
• Have good colleagues
• Are recognised for their efforts
• Feel secure as a member of the team

Turn this around for a moment: how motivated would you be if you felt you ...