Several years ago I had a large, international organization contact me to speak at their annual conference. When I asked what they wanted me to speak on, they surveyed their regional management and received the unanimous response that they wanted to know how to create a work environment that would motivate their employees. I knew that pay and benefits weren't the issue, so I began to investigate the personal side. I identified 7 areas and formed them into an acronym that spells S-U-C-C-E-S-S, just like the old basketball cheer! The presentation was so popular that all 3 presentations were filled in less than 24 hours and we had to get a bigger room!
You see, what was lacking wasn't external stimuli, it was internal relations. Like the old quote says, "No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care." This organization was brilliant, yet lacked motivation, because all the knowledge in the world hadn't produced the wisdom of connection and purpose that creates motivation. We all simply must know that we matter, that we are heard, that we are cared for and that beyond all our accomplishments. A mother loves her newborn baby, not because of what they have accomplished, but because of who they are! We are not just another cog in the wheel that can be replaced without missing a beat. We must know we matter, that we are significant. Once I had a colleague who died. The very next day there was a "help wanted" add in the paper. While I understand, it made me and the rest of the team feel quite dispensable and that wasn't motivating. Motivation comes only from the sense that one is fulfilling their purpose and making a difference, while being appreciated for it! If your team could use a boost in the motivation department, feel free to reach out and we'll discuss team trainings around this important issue. Maybe there is nothing more important!
