The key to motivating people is setting goals and creating an environment in which it is possible to win and feel like a winner. It is also worthwhile sticking to the 10/90 rule: 10 % of the time that you spend on making sure it is absolutely clear what needs to be done will save you 90 % of time as soon as you begin. You will also save 90 % of the mistakes, the costs and other people’s time.
Brian Tracy offers the following advice for how to proceed.
1. Set goals using the SMART Method.
S = specific
M = measurable
A = achievable
R = relevant and realistic
T = time-bounded
The SMART Method is so specific that even a small child is able to tell whether a goal was accomplished or not and how much is left before it is accomplished.
2. Create increments.
If someone is to win, he/she must know where the finish line is and what the criteria for winning are. The smaller the increments, the easier it is for the person to feel like a winner. Accomplishing a mini-goal means that the employee becomes a mini-winner.
If you have a huge project that will last several months, establish clear milestones that will serve as mini-goals and evoke a winning feeling in the people.
3. Motivation using experience with success
The manager’s goal is not only to motivate, but also to help employees achieve experience with success. In other words, the manager needs to help by ensuring the employee truly can succeed in the assignment. For example, if the task is too complicated for one person, the manager can delegate a part of the work to a more experienced colleague.
4. Individual recognition
Everybody should be recognized for what they accomplished, both by their peers as well as by their bosses. Recognition is the key to getting employees to do something extra, to try really hard.
5. Reward
This is the icing on the motivational cake. Praise and recognition only work for a limited time. At a certain point you must reward people for good results. A tangible reward is financial and material (such as a gift certificate). Intangible rewards can be things such as lunch with the boss, a better desk, a new computer or time off.
Brian Tracy recommends tying financial rewards to specific tasks. It is a one-off matter, which is why this is better than a permanent raise.
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