Motivation Myths

1. Motivation Myths

2. I can motivate people… • Not really – people motivate themselves. • You CAN create an environment where they best motivate themselves – the key is knowing how to create that environment.

3. Money is a good motivator… • Not really! • Things like money, a nice office and job security can help people from becoming de-motivated, but these things don’t help people become more motivated.

4. Fear is a darn good motivator! • YES… • for a VERY short time… • No amount of fear or intimidation will light a spark of motivation for the long-term.

5. What motivates me motivates others… • Not really • People are motivated by different things.

6. Increased job satisfaction means increased job performance… • Research shows – not true at all. • If the goals of the company are not aligned with the goals of employees, then employees are not effectively working toward the mission of the company.

7. Employee motivation is a science… • Not true! • There are some very basic steps you can take that will go a long way toward supporting your associates to motivate themselves toward increased performance on the job.

8. Basic Principles to Remember • Motivating associates starts with motivating yourself • Always work to align goals of the company with goals of associates • Understand what motivates each person • Recognize that supporting motivation is a process – not a task

9. Steps to Take • Write down the motivational factors that sustain you and what you can do to sustain them. • Make a list of three – five things that motivate your associates. • Have one-on-one meetings with each associate – get to know the individual as a person first. • Reward it when you see it…soon! • Clearly convey how each associate contributes to bank results. • Celebrate achievements.