How to Build a Highly Motivated Team and Win More Business

Here is a really simple way to build a highly motivated team:

1. Spend quality time with each individual
2. Give feedback and coach them
3. Believe in them and trust them to do the job

I was speaking to a friend in the gym recently; he works in the corporate division of a major international bank. He was looking a bit down in the mouth, so I asked him how he was doing.

He went on to explain that he and his colleagues were concerned about how the recession was affecting their business, and what affect this would have on them personally.
He said – “We need your services in our place Alan; we’re all feeling a bit de-motivated.” He then went on to tell me, that, at a recent meeting, he asked his manager – “How are you going to motivate us?” The manager answered, horror of horrors: – “I haven’t a clue; I thought you might tell me!”

This is a classic case of a manager who has no idea how to motivate and get the best out of his team. And I’m sad to say, this is prevalent in many businesses today.

So why is this? I believe there are 4 reasons:

1. Because it’s such a difficult job
2. Nobody shows you what to do, or gives you the right training
3. The media and our culture send the wrong message
4. Some people don’t have what it takes to be a manager.

Managing, supervising, being a team leader is one of the hardest jobs in the world, and I’ll tell you why. You’re dealing with human beings, and they are the most complex and complicated pieces of ‘equipment’ you’ll ever have to deal with.
Many of them have similarities but every one of them in this world is unique, and they all work in a slightly different way. Your job, as a manager, is to get these complex humans working as efficiently as possible, there’s no one around to show you what to do, and there’s no instruction manual.

The media and our culture also send the wrong messages. We’ve all heard the old cliché “nice guys don’t finish first” and that has a huge impact on how managers deal with their people. We’re led to believe that successful managers are tough, courageous ‘no nonsense’ type of people. And if you’re weak or soft with your staff, then you’ll get walked on, and taken advantage of.

A manager will often look at ‘successful’ managers in business or sport, to try and understand what makes them successful. The media often portrays these people as tough guys who drive their people by the force of their personality, shouts and threats - no wimps allowed.
It also has to be said that, some people just don’t have what it takes to be a manager. Just as some people don’t have what it takes to be a doctor, a plumber, a lawyer or a bus driver. Whatever job or profession an individual ends up in, doesn’t mean to say it’s the right one for them.

Although I’m saying that some managers are in the wrong job, they tend to be in the minority. If you feel that you’re not having the success you should have, ask yourself if you’ve ever received any help.
I think you’ll find that like many managers, you’ve been left to get on with it. That’s why I’ve written this book. So here comes the commercial – check out the book before you make any decisions about your career as a manager; it will make your life much easier.