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One of the many jobs of an effective leader is to inspire and motivate their teams to put forth their best effort and do good work. However, inspiring and motivating are made much more difficult when you aren’t sure exactly what to say. What words will lead your team to solve problems? Find their creativity? Nurture relationships with clients?
According to the business leaders of Rolling Stone Culture Council, it’s not necessarily about the exact words you say so much as their meaning and your genuine feelings behind them. From acknowledging employee contributions to offering more autonomy, your words and their intent can have a powerful impact on your employees and the way they work. Try out the following nine suggestions and see what you can inspire your team to do.
Let Them Know They Can Do Their Work Their Way
Particularly in creative endeavors, contributors should be selected for their unique artistic and creative perspectives. In my experience, artists work differently when they know their creative voice is valued and will be respected. Reinforcing this dynamic in what is said and in the way that feedback is given is critical. – Jed Brewer, Good Loud Media
Acknowledge That Their Contributions Matter
Leaders should make it a point to acknowledge the unique contributions of each team member, linking them to the company’s core values. At my company, we have a Slack recognition channel that recognizes employee successes. It empowers employees to see how their efforts directly impact the company’s success. – Jason Hennessey, Hennessey Digital
Ask How You Can Help Them
Leaders should always ask how they can help their employees, no matter how big or small the task. It isn’t necessarily about the leader always being the one to assist; rather, it is more about creating a culture of teamwork that starts from the top down. Leaders who lead by this example inspire their team members to help each other. – Magen Baker, Bell + Ivy
Remind Each Team Member of Their Unique Strengths
Leadership should acknowledge their employees’ workflows and lean into their passions to generate more excitement and motivation across the board. I believe that simple reminders that we all have different strengths will collectively create something very unique. Motivation is generated by passion, and passion is elevated by recognition. – Josiah Corbin, Elite Multimedia Productions
The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives. Do I qualify?
Ask How They Want to Make a Lasting Impact
To inspire and motivate, leaders should ask how their team members want to make a lasting impact. Every person wants to make an impact in their life and at work. Knowing that a leader cares about how each employee wants to show up to “leave it better than they found it” sends a clear signal and is a force multiplier motivator. Sending the message that “vision drives mission” is powerful! – Scott Curran, Beyond Advisers
Express That You Value Their Input
Leaders should often say, “I value your input,” to employees. This reinforces that their opinions are respected, fostering a sense of ownership and motivation by making them feel integral to the team’s success. – Kristin Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC
Share Honestly About the State of the Business
Leaders need to be upfront with their employees. They should be truthful about the state of the business, the state of the customer, what the issues really are and what their goals really are. That way, people can be invested and motivated in solving the problem. The better employees understand how crucial they are to the business, the more likely they are to be motivated. – Dustin Eide, CanPay
Recognize and Celebrate Small Wins
Leaders should set attainable team goals and highlight how each member’s contributions are crucial to achieving these objectives. Fostering a sense of accountability and collective responsibility motivates and engages employees. This approach drives everyone toward shared success. Recognizing and celebrating small wins further reinforces commitment and boosts morale. – Dan Serard, Cannabis Creative Group
Ensure They Know They Are Heard, Supported and Respected
It’s not about following a script or repeating buzzwords. Motivating employees is about making sure they feel heard, supported and respected, and the way to do that is different in each situation. Foster authentic connections with your team, and you’ll know the right things to say. – Evan Nison, NisonCo
