What motivates people?

“Just give him an incentive.”

This is a line we hear or give when we are trying to figure out how to provide focus or get more out of someone.

Sometimes this works. Often times it does not.

Human beings have an innate drive to be part of something bigger than themselves and to feel like they are contributing to that greater purpose. Providing a financial or other type of remunerative incentive is easy but is it consistently effective?

Frederick Herzberg says “No!”

He explains in an HBR article published a few years ago that making someone’s job more interesting is a much more effective way to motivate them versus giving them money or similar incentive. He called these hygiene and motivation factors.

The attached article goes into much more depth but its essence is this – people are motivated more effectively and over the long term by the following so-called motivation factors:

1. Achievement
2. Recognition for achievement
3. The work itself
4. Responsibility
5. Growth or advancement

What types of programs, habits and systems have you put in place to make these five items a regular occurrence with your team?

Here is an idea!

Creating a Function Flow Map for you team can be a great blueprint for the building of these habits and systems. Please refer to this article or my book for more info.

It is a powerful tool that overlaps many areas of your business. Please feel free to contact me to learn more.

Shameless self-promotion warning!

I am looking to add two more clients this year. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact me (info below). If you are a MA-based business, you may be able to get my services for free or nearly so.

Enjoy! Be Exceptional! Bill – Multi-certified Growth Coach, Foundations in NeuroLeadership certified, PI Certified Partner, 100COACHES member coach (bill@catalystgrowthadvisors.com;www.catalystgrowthadvisors.com) For MA companies ONLY, as an approved Training and Development provider, Catalyst Growth Advisors can offer up to 50% off program fees. Click hereto see if you qualify. Please click here to download or purchase my book Further, Faster – The Vital Few Steps that Take the Guesswork out of Growth.