“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” —John Quincy Adams

Being a leader requires that you motivate others. A motivated team of people is the foundation of a successful organization. However, how do you as a leader create an environment for this inspired group of workers?

Here are six ideas you might consider when looking to better motivate your team members.

Be motivated yourself, and honest and trustworthy in your intentions. People become motivated when they see their leader is motivated and committed to their goals.
Treat each member of your staff as a distinct individual. Recognize that each person has a unique perspective. What motivates one person may not be important to another. You, as a leader, need to figure out what works for each individual.
Set challenging and realistic goals. When people are faced with impossible or unachievable goals, it is demotivating. Set targets that are challenging but achievable. 
Recognize and acknowledge progress. Give feedback and celebrate successes along the way, no matter how big or small; encouragement motivates people to do more.
Be fair. People are more likely to stay with a company where their leader shows fairness and avoids favouritism with wages, recognition, promotions, advancement opportunities, increased responsibilities, and bonuses.
Acknowledge individual and group contributions. Acknowledging the importance of someone’s contribution to a project, shows recognition and the value the person brings to the team. It also inspires trust; another great people motivator.
Motivating your team is one of your primary roles as a leader. People are motivated by people they trust and respect, and who constantly display integrity.

“If you hire people just because they can do a job, they’ll work for your money. But if you hire people who believe what you believe, they’ll work for you with blood and sweat and tears.” —Simon Sinek

“Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it.”—Dwight D. Eisenhower

Paul Abra, Motivated Coaching