How to Motivate People
How to Motivate People
Motivation is an emotion that compels people to take action. Motivation is important because, in order to progress towards your goals, you need to take action.
Motivation is an emotion; there are three main motivating emotions that will compel you to take action:
- Fear.
- Anger.
- Desire.
Think about that, for a moment. Isn't it true that one, (or a combination) of these three emotions account for your actions?
- The emotion of fear can, and does, drive you to take action.
- And the emotion of anger drives you to act.
- The emotion of desire often drives you to take action.
Motivation's three Fundamental forces
Since these are the three fundamental forces that drive you to act, you can use them to motivate yourself and others.
1. Fear as a motivator
Would you agree that there are many people out there who are paid good money to induce fear into your mind?
Fear sells. Fear will cause you to act in accordance with the message.
So you will hear fear messages from many sources: politicians; pressure groups; advertisers; drug companies; insurance companies.
All these people will strive to induce a fear- thought into your mind in order to compel you to act and; vote, or buy, or comply with their will.
Fear works as a motivator.
Many people do what they do, NOT because they want to, but because they fear the consequences they will suffer if they don't act.
Fear is powerful motivator. It works. But don't use it. Not unless you have to. Why?
Because fear is a negative motivator. It works, but fear has a negative effect on the human psyche. It is not nice to live or work in a state of fear.
Motivation by fear, the "Do it or else you'll be sorry!" method is not recommended.
Instead of fear, some people use anger as their motivator.
2. Anger
Anger works as a major motivator. Anger will get you out of your chair and cause you to take action.
If you get angry enough, then you'll move!
Would you agree that you sometimes act, whilst being motivated by anger? Of course you do.
Anger is an emotion bought on by reflecting on a past event that you consider to be bad, in some way. Either the event was painful, or unjust, or unwanted, or unexpected; whatever it was, the event was a bad one and it made you angry.
Anger will motivate you into action. You can motivate others into action if you can make them angry.
Again these negative motivators are used by some people to get people to act. If you can induce in the mind of another a sense of outrage, or injustice, or anger, then you can stimulate them into action.
But don't use anger as a motivator, unless you have to. Why? Because anger is another negative motivator.
It works, but anger has a negative effect on the human psyche. It is not nice to live or work in a state of anger. Don't use anger as a motivator.
3. Desire
Instead of anger, wise people use desire as a motivator.
Would you agree that desire, aspiration, ambition, hunger and even greed can be a motivator? Yes of course.
The emotion of desire is essentially a positive motivator. People desire more wealth, more freedom, more time, more friends, more energy, and more health.
Whenever you are working towards a worthwhile and valuable goal you feel motivated, you feel as if you are going forwards, and you probably feel quite happy. This is positive motivation. It is motivation of the best kind.
If you want to motivate people use this kind of positive motivation.
- Ask people about their goals.
- Ask people about what they want to achieve.
- Ask people how they think they could progress to the next level of their performance.
This is the best way to motivate people. Use it!
Personal Development Training
In order to improve your performance, you may need to develop your personal and professional skills: meaning: skills of communication, planning, prioritisation, motivation and personal confidence. If you want to learn more, then click here for personal development training.
About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Further Reading in Leadership and Management
-
The Top Ten Leadership Skills
People who lack leadership qualities are inspired by those who do. Check out the top ten leadership skills and discover where you are strongest and where your weaknesses are.
Read Article > -
Effective Leadership
Effective Leadership - leadership training What are the definitions, examples and qualities of effective leadership? Definition of leadership: A leader is person who is able to create and sustain a clear vision for a better future and who is able to communicate that vision so as to inspire others to act...
Read Article > -
How to Stop Micromanaging Your Team
Micromanagement is an easy trap to fall into. Find out how to avoid common pitfalls in this article from experienced management trainer Chris Farmer.
Read Article > -
Great Leaders
Many people believe that great leaders are born, not made. However, no-one is born with the leadership gene. Leaders can be made with a series of learned behaviours, starting today!
Read Article > -
How Do I Manage My Friends After a Promotion?
After promotion to a managerial position over your former peers and friends, there will be a change in the dynamics of your relationship. Performance and other issues will have to be dealt with. Here are some guidelines to help you.
Read Article >
Looking for Leadership and Management Training?
Management skills training would be a great benefit to your team. If you're interested, you may find this Leadership and Management Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Starts in 8 days, London - Central, places available