Motivational Currency – A Simple Approach To A Complex Challenge

Motivation, we all need it.

Motivation is what wakes us up in the morning, what pushes our businesses to new levels, and what generally keeps us moving forward.

Finding unique methods to motivate employees and people in general isn’t easy. Sure, employers can keep their employees engaged and motivated with amazing benefits like free lunches and company-hosted social events, but for employers looking for something a little less conventional, try embracing a simple approach called motivational currency.

In a previously published article by OnPoint Advising, they discussed motivational currency, and how it works.

Motivational Currency: The Core Four

As much as we wish it were as simple as a one size fits all, when it comes to much of psychology, people are unique, and we take action based on our personalities, previous experiences, and current situations. Although most people will have a primary motivator, often people have multiple motivators. The stronger your motivators are in one area, the easier it is for you to make decisions, and the more challenging it is to manage your impulses.

Successful motivational leadership is when you Recognize, Read, and Lead. Set your focus to being able to recognize what your primary motivators are, read what the motivators are for others, and lead with intention so you can motivate others quickly.

Performance: The Performance motivator is about results. Individuals who are driven by performance want to get things done. They pride themselves on not just completing tasks, but excelling. They thrive on meeting challenges and exceeding standards. They are often fast paced, direct, and focused on outcomes. Performance-driven people are not afraid to challenge the status quo and expect others to have as much drive as they do.

A potential setback for them is overlooking the impact getting tasks completed has on other people. They have a tendency to focus on the outcome and not pay a lot of attention to the process. They can be perceived as overly direct or controlling.

In groups they are often the person who takes the lead. They can come across as controlling or demanding. They want to drive to a resolution and complete a task or set a new standard.

People: The People motivator is about relationships. Individuals who are driven by the People motivator are most concerned about getting along, teamwork, and collaboration. They are focused on how things impact others. They tend to have a strong social radar and can read people well.

A potential setback for them is they can lose sight of an objective because they are overly concerned with how others feel. If someone is overly People focused they can get caught up in the process and not pay attention to the result. They can be perceived as too feelings oriented or indirect.

In groups, they are often the one who asks a lot of questions, is inclusive, and focuses on getting everyone’s opinion. A common descriptor of them is “nice” or “team-oriented.”

Power: The Power motivator is about influence. People who are motivated by Power put a premium on being persuasive and offering their point of view. They often are effective at providing advice and communicating the importance of brand and reputation.

A potential setback for them is they get caught up in status and reputation. They have a need to feel important and receive recognition. They can come across as “one uppers” – people who tend to build on what other people say and highlight their experience. They can be perceived as insecure if they have not reached the academic or professional status of those around them.

In groups, they are often the person who gives their point of view early and often. They have a desire to be influential so they often tell stories and talk about the big picture or how things “will be.” They often are someone who gives unsolicited advice. They have a tendency to hint or overtly communicate who they know and how important they are.

Purpose: The Purpose motivator is about helping others and contributing to something outside of themselves. They often crave having purpose and meaning in their work. Many Purpose-driven people are motivated by developing others or volunteering and community involvement. They excel at getting people to focus on the greater good and can be tremendous enterprise contributors. They can get people to think across business silos and think about what is best for the entire group or business rather than individuals or teams.

A potential setback for them is they can become disengaged if there is not meaning or a focus on the greater good in their work. They have a need to see the bigger picture and are passionate about being selfless. They often focus on learning about businesses, cultures, or communities outside of their own. They often are eager to find resources that will help them help others.

In groups they tend to try and find ways to connect what they are doing to a bigger picture. They will often question the purpose of an initiative. They can be perceived as overly idealistic or not focused on identified results. A common stereotype, right or wrong, of Millennials is that they are purpose driven.

OnPoint Advising have also recently launched a new book called “Simple is the New Smart” which explains how you can block out the static so you can turn up the volume on the right information and accelerate your path to success.

By reading this interesting book, you will:

• Learn what is holding you back and how to propel yourself forward.
• Realize that listening can be bad for your health and learn how to break free from the messages that have been holding you down.
• Discover the art of reading before leading so you can be intentional with your time.
• Master the secrets of psychological swagger that allow you to grow without pain.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can create a much more motivating environment in your business, then you absolutely have to read simple is the new smart. Believe me, once you start applying these secret tricks, your employees will be more motivated than ever (and you know what that means, higher productivity = higher revenues).