Sources of Motivation

Think about a time when you were called upon to motivate yourself or others.  What was the source of your desire to motivate? What inspired you to take action?

I think about what motivated me to start Launching Lives. I wanted to provide the skill development and emotional support that executives and others in management need and deserve. I wanted managers to know that they don’t have to navigate this complex, demanding path alone.

There are three reasons why we typically become “unmotivated.” They are: a lack of confidence, a lack of focus, and a lack of direction. No matter the reason, being unmotivated is both self-depreciating and demoralizing.

Before we can motivate others, we must be able to motivate ourselves. We must establish what’s important to us and be aware of our own needs. Then we can set goals and practice positive reinforcement to help fuel our motivation.

Every person is inspired and motivated by different things.  Whatever the source, inspiration may be the most rousing form of motivation. Whether it comes from a role model, an act of goodwill or even a work of art, inspiration motivates us to improve ourselves and encourages us to achieve bigger and better results.

So how do we motivate others?  It’s important to understand the true needs of the person or group we’re trying to motivate. For example, an employee who goes above and beyond may value a bonus. Another employee, who has a family or other outside commitments, may value work flexibility or telecommuting options.

What’s your own personal source of motivation? How do you motivate others?

Want to beat your competition? Leverage Your Likeability!

Have you ever met someone who made a great first impression? This person may have been everything you’d want in an ideal employee or business partner: intelligent, witty, professional and experienced.

But after a few moments, you know none of this. You just know that he or she is “likeable.”

Would you do business with this person? Would you recommend this person to your colleagues? I’m willing to bet that you would.

In previous blog posts, we’ve talked a lot about the characteristics of “likeable” people.

Today, I want to emphasize that being “likeable” is a tremendous competitive advantage, especially in today’s job market. The national unemployment rate is 8.9 percent, compared to 5.88 percent just a decade ago. In this situation, any edge can mean the difference between landing that big time job or remaining unemployed.

Being likeable means that people are naturally drawn to you. They are more interested in your opinions. They are more likely to trust you, follow you and listen to you. Do these sound like characteristics that would benefit you in a job interview?

Being likeable can also be the difference in earning a big promotion. Those who are likeable tend to have more influence on management, colleagues and direct reports. By being likeable, you’ll be more likely to make a lasting impression on key decision makers.

For more benefits, watch this video: “What are some benefits you will enjoy if others find you likeable?”

What are qualities in others that you find “likeable”?

The Likeability Scale: Where Do You Fall?

What can you do to improve your likeability factor? I reveal a few tips in this YouTube video.

Another resource is the book, “The Likeability Factor,” written by Tim Sanders.  

One of the concepts that Sanders presents is the Likeability Scale. The scale is numbered from one to ten with one being unlikeable, five being average, and ten being very likeable.

Historical figures such as Hitler or Osama Bin Ladan would be a one on the likeability scale. Those who rate from one to three are generally unsympathetic, rude, difficult, and concerned only with themselves.

Those who rate from four to six are considered to be of average likeability. They often allow their likeability to fluctuate with their moods and are often inconsistent and unpredictable.

People who rate from seven to ten are considered to be very likeable. American Presidents, John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln are known best for their likeability. Those with a seven to ten on the likeability scale inspire positivity in others, a reflection of their own attitude. It should be known that few people ever attain a ten on the likeability scale and those that do can still continue to improve their likeability.

Although likeability may fluctuate due to difficult times or other circumstances, it is important to remember that likeability can permeate every aspect of a person’s life.  Likeability may come naturally to some while others will need to work at being likeable. Wherever you rank on the scale, my hope is that I’ve made you aware of the likeability factor and its effect on your career. Moreover, I hope that this knowledge will empower you to continue the journey to self-improvement.

Consider where you fit on the likeability scale.

Are You a Likeable Person?

Last week, we talked about the importance of being a likeable person. How do you know if you are somebody who is ‘likeable?’ I answer this question on my YouTube channel.

I recently discovered an article that listed characteristics of likeable people and I thought I would share some of the key elements in the story.

Do you say please and thank you?

Please and thank you are social constructs taught to children, yet it seems some adults forget the concept for themselves. Saying please and thank you is easy and doing so shows genuine appreciation for others.

Are you courteous?

This could mean going the extra mile for someone or even looking at a situation or circumstance from their perspective. Courtesy is often just superficial in our daily lives. BUT being a courteous person will add to your likeability factor.

Do you follow the Golden Rule?

“Do onto others….” Practicing the Golden Rule requires you to think about how you would want to be treated so you can evaluate the situation and your reaction with more depth.   The Platinum Rule is even better: Do unto others as THEY want to be treated. What THEY want and what YOU want can be very different.

Do you work with others or against them?

Develop processes that will simplify or complement what others are doing. A simple tasks such as properly filing office paperwork will make life easier for the people around you and make you a more likeable person.

Do you smile often?

It is a proven fact that forcing yourself to smile not only boosts your mood but it also relieves stress in you and others around you.

Do you apologize?

Whether a mistake is intentional or not, it’s important to apologize. It demonstrates humility and a desire to grow as an individual.

Are you honest?

Being honest in what you do and how you conduct yourself creates trustworthiness with both business and personal relationships. Additionally, a clean conscience allows you to conduct yourself with confidence and sincerity.

Do you listen?

Listening is more than just a two minute conversation in between offices or while you’re waiting for your turn to use the microwave at lunch. A good listener is genuinely interested in what the other person has to say and often demonstrates this by repeating back or paraphrasing what the other person has said.

Do you compliment those around you?

Focus on the positive attributes of others. A sincere compliment encourages and promotes the good and may even change your attitude about an individual.

Do you need some polishing on your likeability factor? These tips are a great place to start and many are simply reminders.

What other ways can you become more likeable?

 

Why is being likeable so important?

Why is being likable so important today? I answer in this YouTube clip.

Today’s global economy can be seen as both a blessing and curse. The blessing behind the global economy is that it has opened up routes of commerce to include areas outside of your personal location; however, the curse is that, if you as a person are not likeable, the consumer will not hesitate to replace you with someone who is capable of doing your exact job or task with a smile on his face and a genuine attitude that suggests she might actually want to help the consumer.

In a team-centered work place, it is important to be liked not only by your customers or clients but also by other team members. Being liked by team members generally yields smoother work flow that produces more efficient, higher-quality products or services.

Today’s business transactions are completed through people. Consumers aren’t interested in working with a company; they want to work with a person.  If the person or people they work with are not likeable, consumers will most likely move on.

A likeable person is one who is pleasant, friendly, and approachable. He or she has the ability to work with different types of people and is able to fulfill a variety of needs.

By being likeable, you are able to differentiate yourself from others. This differentiation can provide you a competitive edge over your competition as you fulfill customers’ needs with a genuine likeable attitude.

Are you likeable? Take this test to find out!