Leadership: Motivating Others

• Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.
  • Example: “Would it make sense to organize these alphabetically?” instead of direct orders to organize alphabetically.
  • Others are more motivated and more likely to contribute in unexpected ways than if you had given them direct orders.

• Try to make the other person happy about doing things you suggest.
  • Do this by using the any techniques discussed earlier. Examples:
    • Make one feel too important to do something you’d prefer they didn’t do.
    • Ask someone if they would be willing to accept an important role, even when you know they would jump at the chance.
    • Give others titles and authority toward completing your goals, fueling their perceptions of self-worth as they complete the tasks you’ve given them.

• Step by Step Guide:

  1. Be Sincere. Don't promise things you can't do or deliver.
  2. Know preciesly what it is you want the other person to do.
  3. Be Empathetic. Ask yourself what others want.
  4. Focus on any benifits the other person will receive. Forget about the benefits to yourself.
  5. Explain how those benefits match the other person's wants.
  6. Frame requests to communicate that the other person will personally benefit. Example: “John, clean the stock room now.” Vs “John, if we clean the stock room now we won’t have to deal with it later.”