Maureen Leif, President
Grays Peak Strategies

Even with a job as great as mine, staying motivated can sometimes be a challenge. We have all had those days where it’s tempting to stay in bed and see what happens, but that never really works out. For me, this time of year is always a little difficult to keep my motivation high. I can’t really pinpoint what it is. I know I need to check in with myself and make sure that I am taking time to ensure that I stay motived as well as my team. As a good will gesture to our loyal friends who read our articles, I want to help you stay motivated as well. Here is my top-secret list that I use to keep my team motivated. What you will find is that when your team is motivated, you will feel motivated as well.

Be a Role Model. If you’re walking around moping and whiny, guess what? Yes, we feed off each other’s energy so the team will start modeling the same behavior. I confess you might have to fake it till you make it here. Plan a surprise, bring in a healthy treat, or organize a team outing just because.
Define the Mission. Make sure that everyone has clear direction and are all the same page. It is de-motivating when you do not understand your piece of the puzzle and how you fit into overall mission of an organization If you manage millennials, this is especially important. Millennials are mission driven and want to have a purpose.
Foster Creativity and create opportunities for challenge. As a leader make sure that your team has an outlet for creation and that you are managing to their strengths and their interest. At the same time, provide opportunities for them to challenge themselves. Show them that you believe in them and most often people will rise to the occasion.
Check in. Make sure that your team feel that they are being heard and their points of pain are being addressed. You might not be able to solve every problem, but people appreciate the chance to voice their concerns and you can work on solutions or strategies together.
Celebrate Successes and have fun. In our fast-paced environment, it’s often time to start the next project as soon as one is finished. We can get wrapped up in what’s coming next and forget to look back and celebrate what we have accomplished. And don’t be afraid to make work fun. This is where people spend most of their time, and if they enjoy it, you will find they are much more productive, much more generous with their time and talents, and will be a better reflection on the organization.

Motivation is a two-way street. The more I invest in motivating the people around me, the more motivated I feel. Of course, I don’t have all the answers, and I’m always looking for new ways to motivate and engage people. What are some of your secrets? Find us on Facebook or Twitter #staymotivated.

5 Secrets to Keeping Your Team Motivated