How Great Leaders Motivate

The best leaders motivate and inspire people. Writing in Inc., contributing editor Marcel Schwantes characterizes four simple, accessible behaviors that consistently create impact and drive performance:

1. Set clear goals:  Help people see the context of their work on a micro level -- the small stuff matters -- and connect the dots on a macro level, helping them envision the bigger picture.  Gallup’s extensive research shows that not having clear goals is a key cause of employee disengagement.
2. Schedule more one-on-ones:  Most leaders don't spend enough time getting to know the interests, strengths and desires of those who report to them. Strong relationships are intrinsically motivating.
3. Give employees freedom to explore:  When Google encouraged employees to allocate 20 percent of their time to projects they thought would benefit the company, employees became more motivated by internal factors like curiosity and independence.
4. Recognize your people:  Everyone needs encouragement. Gift your employees with confidence and affirmation. The more specific the praise, the better.

What have you done lately to motivate your employees, and what has been done to motivate you? To join the conversation, click "comments" above.
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