One
of the primary differences between a good leader and a great leader is in the
area of motivation. A good leader has
the ability to motivate people to take action, while a great leader has the
ability to make the other person happy about doing the thing that you
suggest.
In a previous article, I discussed several tips on how to
motivate people. (http://leansixsigmaconsulting.blogspot.com/2016/05/4-tips-on-how-to-motivate-your-people.html)
I received several very good comments and it spurred much discussion. However
one particular comment stuck with me. It was in regards to how do you know if
you are a “good motivator”. In my response, I started to list things not to do.
I typically like to talk in a positive perspective but sometimes it is easier
to relate to behaviors that don’t work.
Therefore, following are 5 sure-fire ways leaders can ensure
that they demotivate their work force.
1.
Use your positional power as a manager in a way
that shows you don’t respect your employees as people.
Ignore employee’s suggestions for how to improve operations. Don’t
return their messages and never show up for a meeting on time. These might seem
like small things today’s busy executive, but they scream “lack of respect” to
your workforce.
2.
Take credit for your employees work.
This is guaranteed way
to disenfranchise your team. Good managers are secure enough to give full
credit where it’s due.
3.
Lose your temper
This behavior creates a very unappealing work environment. Lost
tempers are often followed by lost loyalty; after all it is difficult to trust
the person yelling at you.
4.
Don’t stand up for your employees when under personal
or organizational attack
Your employees will want and expect you to defend them.
Teammates need to stand up for each other. This also includes the concept of;
praise publicly and constructively criticize in private. If you don’t, they’ll
remember it.
5.
Be emotionally stingy
People like praise. They want to know they’re doing a good job
and are valued. Simple words of encouragement are easy, inexpensive and
can be motivational.
Avoiding these pitfalls and emotional behaviors can help
motivate your teams and will help differentiate yourself from being only good
to becoming a great leader.
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