Losing Motivation? Follow These Three Steps to Get Back on Track.
Are you still recovering from 2017? Whether it’s the rapid changes in our business world, or getting back to work from the long holiday break, it’s time to get up and get moving. Lots of people struggle with motivation this time of year. So if it’s tough for you as a leader, no matter what your reason may be, here’s the best advice going: Cut the excuses, grab your coffee or whatever you need, and make this year the best year yet for yourself, your company and the people you lead. Get back on track with your goals—or change tracks if the destination is looking bad. If you get moving, you’ll get motivated.
How to start?1. Motivate Yourself First
This means if something is in your way—even if it’s your own personal or professional roadblock—commit to dealing with the issue. Create a plan, give yourself goals and a timeline, and chip away at those benchmarks even if you start small. This in and of itself, or taking that action and building momentum minute by minute, day by day, week by week, will trigger and generate traction. Most people find that a little traction is all they need.
2. Get Your Teams Psyched Up!
When you talk about goals, let your leadership and other key team players know where they are going, how they fit into the master plan, and why they matter. Do this through your general communications (meetings, team emails, morning huddles, etc.). Point is…inspiring people doesn’t have to take up hours of your time. As long as you’ve got the right hires, a few minutes of face-time helps. Recognize a success, listen to a challenge, and share a story that helps them either to learn or feel this year can be their best yet. Just a tiny bit of your time can get team members focused, engaged, and energized.
3. Build Motivational Buzz Organization-Wide
After another year is in the books, some people in your company can be tired and emotionally exhausted. They may also be skeptical about what’s possible for the future. You’ve got to be their #1 motivator and key cheerleader…but keep in mind that, as spirited as you may be, you can’t do it alone. You’ve got lots of other leadership responsibilities to focus on, too. So delegate to your direct reports (or other appropriate employees, like HR) the job of motivating down to the frontlines or throughout your entire organization, regardless of how your organization is set up. Those you recruit to help will need reminding…and they may need new or different resources to do it right or better this year. Give them what they need. Then make sure they know why getting everyone unstuck and moving toward goals matters—or else you can be sure it won’t happen.
What are you doing to stick to your 2018 goals?
