We all have different management styles which affects the way we work with people and the relationship that we develop with them. To get the most out of people you need to understand what motivates them and then appeal to this.
Research has shown that the top three things which motivate people are appreciation, feeling involved and getting personal help and support with problems. And yet sometimes we might also think that some people are motivated by money, career prospects or the opportunity to make a difference.
The truth is when you recognise that the people in your team all have different personalities and you can appeal to their individual motivation you will have a much better chance of getting the best from them.
Here are four types of people and their motivations:-
Firstly you get the helpful teachers who are co-operative, thoughtful and probably quite trusting and enjoy working in environments which are respectful, supportive and idealistic. They shine when they are asked to help, or work on worthy causes, and they will relish the opportunity for personal development.
Secondly you get the competitive teachers who can be quite controlling, quick to act and self confident and thrive in teams that are direct, competitive and risk orientated. Giving them responsibility, challenges and new opportunities will motivate this group.
Then you get the more flexible teachers who are adaptable, enthusiastic and inspiring who will enjoy working in friendly, sociable and rule free conditions. They like change, variety and doing things that are fun. Who doesn’t?
And finally you get the practical teachers who are thorough, tenacious and reserved and work best in an atmosphere which is structured, fair and objective. They are motivated by detailed work which requires analysis and tangible outcomes.
It’s a case of different strokes for different folks.
If you want to develop you people skills but don’t have a lot of time Dot Struthers has developed a unique set of telecoaching programmes and you can also sign up for a free monthly CPD newsletter at merechats.co.uk.
