Page 25 - Perfect Phrases for Motivating and Rewarding

The Whys and Wisdom of Motivation: The Manager as Motivator

more likely to be reflected in those who report to you. The behavior
you model—whatever your intent—is the behavior others will see as
acceptable.

Motivating Employees

You may know what motivates you, but what motivates others? Of
course, not everyone fits into the same mold and not all motivational
approaches work for all employees. It’s easy to say someone should
be motivated by a manager who gives out specialty chocolates, but
do you know whether you’re giving a box of chocolates to a diabetic,
someone who is allergic to chocolate, or someone who—believe
it or not—just doesn’t like it? Forget what you think people should
want and find out what they do want. Great motivators are not self-
centered; they are other-centered. They understand the difference
between an employee who is motivated by “space to work” and one
who works best with periodic oversight. Just as everyone doesn’t like
chocolate, everyone doesn’t like space or a lack of it. Some people
are most creative working alone; others are energized by a group
dynamic.
Your role as motivator begins with your mindset. In Part Two of
this book, you will find motivational mindsets and sample motiva-
tional phrases that support them.

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