In the ever-changing world you live in, it can sometimes be difficult to keep up with the changes around us. At times maintaining the motivation to push forward can be a challenge both personally and professionally. This being said, the need to revisit the concept of motivation individually as well as within our teams is necessary in order to push forward toward our organizations’ goals. But this leads to the question: how can leaders do this for their teams?

What does motivation really mean? 

Motivation is one of the driving forces behind many aspects of human behavior. It fuels us to do what moves us, get closer to achieving our goals, form connections with others around us, or even find our purpose. Additionally, motivation can act as a catalyst for deeper conversation amongst organizations and teams as they work toward a common goal together. Taking the time to fully reflect and understand the organization’s core values and both observe and discuss how they align with individuals’ own values can not only fuel motivation but enhance collaboration in the workplace. 

How to develop your team's motivation

Our Search Inside Yourself (SIY) program intentionally works to do just that. SIY teaches how to spark motivation in yourself or others even during the challenges or struggles that may arise. Here are some of the key strategies we teach in our Search Inside Yourself program in order to develop, maintain, and fuel motivation for a team.

1. Reconnect with the teams core values

Taking the time to thoughtfully reflect on your deeply held beliefs and fundamental driving forces can be a game-changer. Write down your values and revisit this list throughout the year and add on an ongoing basis. Take it a step further by thinking of tangible examples of how you can incorporate these values into your personal and professional life. 

Leaders of teams can also do this exercise throughout the year with their teams and create space for conversation on how team members can find ways to integrate their values into action as well. 

An example of this would be if an organization’s value is “volunteerism,” then maybe the team finds a cause they want to support once a quarter for a staff volunteer day. Taking the time to engage your team in ways that align with the things they care about on a deep level taps directly into their level of motivation and ability to show up fully in their roles.

2. Envision an ideal future

Another exercise that turns ideas into action is journaling/reflecting on “what does your ideal future look like?” Both asking yourself and your team members this question can provoke conversation that energizes the group and directly increases their intrinsic level of motivation. 

Studies have shown that intrinsic motivation refers to people’s tendencies to be curious and interested, to seek out challenges and to exercise and develop their skills and knowledge. All of these things can inspire and influence teams as they work to create this ideal future and achieve organizational goals.

3. Exercise a growth mindset

Lastly, here’s a friendly reminder that motivation may ebb and flow amongst teams. This is perfectly normal and natural in both personal and professional settings. This cycle can provide learning opportunities for teams and individuals and open up the chance to learn even more about one another, and take the time needed to understand and recognize the factors that play into motivation or lack thereof. 

This also gives leaders a chance to further engage with the team and then re-engage when necessary in order to triage and push forward what is necessary to support you team members. It’s imperative to not just talk the talk as a leader but to truly walk the walk as well. Our Effective Teaming program aligns with this notion as it exists to build an environment based on trust, psychological safety, empathy, compassionate leadership, and inclusion, leading to improved team performance. ​

Motivation is a key notion that exists in the workplace and taking the time to understand it, openly discuss it, and adapt when necessary is important for leaders and teams.

Are you looking to build a team that is connected, high-performing, and delivers results? Learn more about our newest offering: our teaming suite here.