Unlike Hollywood’s depiction of motivation in the military
(the harsh drill sergeant) the armed services have developed much more
sophisticated ways to motivate improved performance. Not many would argue that collectively the US
Military is the best in the world. It's also
no wonder that those who have served often go on to successful careers as
leaders in many industries.
What lessons can we learn from how the military communicates
and trains its leaders and troops?
The military has known for years that their personnel are
motivated by recognition. In the 1700’s
it was Napoleon who coined the phrase:
“A soldier will fight
long and hard
for a bit of colored ribbon.”
After researching several articles on the subject, here are
just a few of the ideas on motivation and leadership that we found:
- Your focus should always be on leadership and team building
- Your concern and interest in your employees has to be real. If you can’t muster true empathy and pride in the people who work for you, you won’t go as far as you think you should
- Always put your employees needs first
- Empower your employees to perform at their highest levels, take roadblocks and needless regulations out of the way.
- Make sure that what you ask your employees is attainable and then tell them the how and the why
- Effectively communicate your vision and objectives through as many different objectives as you can.
- Manage by walking around and showing genuine interest in your people
- Make recognition and appreciation a constant
- Respect those who report to you as individuals and you cannot take them for granted
For
more information on Ultimate Choice Inc.’s products or services or other white
papers please contact us at Ultimatechoiceinfo@cox.net
