Motivation. What typically comes to mind? Is it getting the strength to lead a team, clean your kitchen, or write a blog post? Motivation can be hard to muster, but well worth it in the long run.
The science behind this comes from the extrinsic and intrinsic need to find a solution to a problem, creating a drive that pushes us to achieve that. We’ll dive into this more in a bit, but keep it in mind. This understanding will help you coach your team to success in both ways–and, most importantly, keep it sustained. Let’s dive in!
1. Communication: Share the Mission and Set Clear Goals
Communication is key! While reading minds could be an awesome superpower to have, we’re only human. Be clear with your team about the mission of your campaign or task, and set clear, achievable goals. It is a fair assumption that someone won’t be motivated to complete something they don’t understand or that doesn’t have an attainable goal attached to the end of it. Be as specific as you can. Is it handing out 1,000 flyers? Is it getting a certain reach on a social post? Is it getting 50 more participants? Be clear on your expectations for your group and encourage a measurable way to keep track of their progress for both their benefit and the organization’s.
2. Collaboration: Foster a Healthy Environment
Have you ever had a group project you dreaded? Were the other people in your group not team players? Now is the time to change that narrative. Being the leader of a group holds a special responsibility because you are the one that can instill confidence and a hard working ethic to those following your lead. Inspire the team to work together and create an environment that is worthwhile and comforting to come back to! It is safe to assume no one would want to come back to a project where they are being constantly reprimanded. Is it in your hands, so start and end on a good note so everyone can walk away feeling confident and accomplished.
3. Can-Do: Make Space for Improvement & Opportunities for Growth
Are there opportunities for growth within your campaign? Are you delegating correctly? Are the tasks youare delegating out appropriate in length and ability? Handing out projects is necessary when it comes to tackling a problem and actually seeing improvement. Your team will want to feel like they are helping change policy, the community, or working with the organization to make the change the organization wishes to see. With appropriate tasks delegated, make sure to communicate to your group that there are opportunities to hold more power with the campaign if they are ready for it. Let them know that if they are able to successfully carry out the project they were previously delegated, that there are ways to expand past that. This will also be indicative of those who want to be more active in and how they can be another leader to help carry out the ultimate goal.
4. Constructive: Do Not Push Failure, Give Them a Chance to Reflect and Understand
Constructive criticism is beneficial, especially when the person you are giving it to is able to receive it well. This is something that a leader can get the ball rolling on. Instead of pushing failure away, encourage followers to interpret their wrongdoings and turn it into a learning lesson. While this will be a great mindset to have in all sectors of life, it will be a perfect catalyst for reflection and understanding when it comes to not always getting things right. This goes back to the first C, Communication, and making it clear that failure is not looked down upon, but rather a chance to learn more about the project and your involvement. This will make your team less scared to make mistakes and more receptive when understanding what went wrong, and more comfortable to ask questions.
5. Celebrate: Positive Motivation & A Like-Mindedness Community
Celebrate your wins. It’s easy! A high-five, positive affirmation, or a celebratory party (preferred but optional). This positivity will motivate your followers to keep up the great work. The extrinsic motivation (the hopes of earning an external reward or acclamation) will go up, hopefully increasing their intrinsic motivation (the drive to succeed for personal reasons) to keep the campaign running smoothly. This is a great opportunity for you, the leader, to build a community of like-minded individuals for future campaigns. Understanding each person’s individual motivations can enhance the strategizing and planning for your next successful campaign!
It’s Your Time to Shine!
We are not strangers to a successful campaign, for The Wild Project is proud to spotlight campaigns that have been beneficial for many communities around the country. These are all excellent examples of how leaders have communicated a need for change, assembled like-minded individuals, and motivated them to the finish line! If you would like to expand and channel the power you hold, visit our Upcoming Workshops tailored to strengthening leadership skills and introducing organization strategies for your next victorious campaign.
