Understanding Team Member Motivations

Bonuses only matter, right? Think again. When it comes to project success, teams crave: 🌟 Clear Communication 🌟 Trust 🌟 Feedback Groundbreaking insights reveal: 70% of projects fail due to lack of clarity, regardless of the tools in place. Here's the real shocker: 33% of team members feel their expertise isn't utilized. That's a third of your squad feeling underutilized. Ponder on that. Why This Matters ➨ Faster Deliverables Effective feedback speeds up project timelines by 27%. ➨ Elevated Quality Clear objectives can spike the project's quality by 19%. ➨ Team Cohesiveness Teams with trust are 3.5X more likely to meet deadlines. ➨ Resource Optimization Informed teams utilize resources 42% more efficiently. Now, no doubt, tools are pivotal. Everyone needs the right resources. But they aren't the be-all, end-all. Here's the revelation: Clear communication bridges the gaps tools can't. It's the linchpin of a successful project. Your Action Plan 1. Transparent Objectives: Clarify the 'why' behind tasks. Purpose drives passion. 2. Feedback Loops: Encourage open dialogue. Mistakes are growth opportunities. 3. Trust Sessions: Team-building exercises to foster mutual respect and understanding. 4. Skill Spotlights: Hold sessions where team members showcase their expertise. 5. Delegation With Clarity: Ensure tasks align with strengths. No round pegs in square holes. Bringing It Home Don't just assign, engage. A simple "How can I support you?" changes the game. Success isn't about just meeting deadlines. It's about nurturing growth, trust, and collaboration. Kickstart the change. Witness project efficiency, team satisfaction, and quality escalate. Let's transform our project landscapes, one clear communication at a time. P.S. If this struck a chord, share to enlighten others ♻️

How do you help your team members handle challenges—without taking on their challenges for them? 

In working through a challenge and learning from it, your team is able to grow. Think about the last time a team member told you about a challenge they had…and then somehow it was turned over to you to manage, or you picked it up and solved it.

You might be so good at putting out fires you didn’t even realize it. 

I get it. I’m an action-oriented person. I love to solve problems. I love to support my team.

A leader’s job is to coach team members to solve their problems and handle difficult situations, not necessarily do it for them. 

I definitely learned this the hard way as a new leader.

First, I drowned in directly managing the team’s challenges plus my own. Then, I learned my efforts to help my team unintentionally showed them that only I can handle something, or to expect that I will.

I still take seriously my role as a leader to remove barriers and intervene, as appropriate—but I also remind my team members that I believe in their abilities.

Here are three steps to help your team members navigate their own challenges (with your support and guidance, of course). ASK QUESTIONS Ask your team member open-ended questions to help them think through the challenge. You might say, “What do you think the next step should be?” or “How should we handle this challenge?” You want to draw out their perspective and demonstrate that this is something you expect them to manage. DETERMINE YOUR ROLE When your team member starts talking about their challenge, try to determine if they need to vent or need you to do something. Because I have a tendency to jump into things, I have to catch myself to ask if the team member wants feedback, support, or action. If they want feedback or support,they’re showing they intend to manage through the challenge and would benefit from your guidance. If they request action, dig a little deeper before you take this on. Try to understand if they aren't confident in their choices and need reassurance, or if they're delegating the tough stuff to avoid managing it themselves. REINFORCE YOUR TEAM MEMBER’S STRENGTHS Acknowledge your team member’s challenge—and their ability to get through it. Reassure them that you believe they can handle it. You may remind them of how they successfully handled a difficult situation in the past. Most importantly, remember that the leader’s role is not to solve their team's problems—but to help their team become better problem solvers.

People often ask me for quick ways to build trust on a team. I have a dozen solid go-to moves, but one stands out because it’s dead simple and nearly always works. You’ve probably heard of the “connection before content” idea—starting meetings with a personal check-in to warm up the room. But let’s be honest: questions like “What’s your favorite color?” or “What five things would you bring on a deserted island?” don’t build trust. They just waste time. If you want a real trust-builder, here’s the question I use: “𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄?” That’s it. One question. And here’s why it works: 𝟭. It creates vulnerability without forcing it. You can’t answer this question without being a little real. And when someone’s real with you, it’s hard not to trust them more. You see the human behind the role. 𝟮. It unlocks practical support. Once I hear your challenge, I can picture how to help. I feel drawn to back you up. That’s the foundation of real partnership at work. 𝟯. It increases mutual understanding. Sometimes we feel disconnected from teammates because we don’t know what they actually do all day. When someone shares a challenge, it opens a window into their work and the complexity they’re navigating. If you’re short on time, allergic to fluff, and want something that actually bonds your team—this is your move. Ten minutes, and you’ll feel the shift."

Hey leaders, how's your feedback game? Does every member of your team know where they stand in these areas? -Performance 📈 -Skills/Competencies 💡 -Individual and Team Goals 🎯 -Collaboration and Teamwork 👥 -Initiative and Innovation 💥 -Time Management ⏰ -Career Growth and Progression 🌱 Gallup found that employees who get regular feedback are 3.5 times more likely to be engaged at work than those who get it once a year or less. If you are waiting for mid/annual review time to give your team feedback you are missing the mark. ➡ High performers want meaningful feedback (more than just "keep up the good work"). ➡ Lower performers need meaningful feedback plus support, coaching, and accountability. Good feedback is timely, relevant, actionable, unbiased, and focused on behaviors (not personal traits). Ongoing feedback fosters growth, engagement, and a culture of continuous learning, which is directly connected to employee retention. Your team members should not only receive feedback but also have the opportunity to provide you with feedback. What's the best feedback you've received and how did it impact your career?

You can't lead unless you have a fully engaged team. I use AI to make sure in 10 minutes each month: Do you know what's going on with your team? Unfortunately, most managers don't. I got surprised more times than I care to admit. That stopped once I created my "pulse check:" - 11 Questions - On a 1-5 scale - Never anonymous Here are the exact 11 questions I use: ✅ Mission 1. I understand and am motivated by the team's mission. 2. At least 80% of my work contributes directly to that mission. Logic: People need to feel connected to something bigger and that their work matters. Separating these two will help you prioritize communicating more vs. rethinking the work. ✅ Expectations 3. I know what is expected of me at work. 4. I have the tools, access, and support to meet my goals excellently. Logic: Everyone wants to win. Clear expectations show them how. If you're cutting corners here, you'll create a lot of headaches down the road. ✅ Engagement 5. I am energized by the important work I'm doing. 6. I have received recognition or praise for good work in the last seven days. 7. I have received constructive feedback to improve in the last 7 days. Logic: I'm looking for both intrinsic and external motivators. And positive and constructive feedback is the signal that will keep them on the path. ✅ Growth & Development 8. I am clear and excited about how I can best develop. 9. I have consistent opportunities at work to learn and develop. Logic: I'm biased towards small teams of high performers. And high-performers are insatiable in their desire to grow into more impact. When this starts to decline, I'm quick to act. ✅ Supported 10. I feel cared for by my supervisor and colleagues. 11.I see a consistent commitment from my colleagues to doing excellent work. Logic: "What you do is who you are." Unfortunately, I cannot be everywhere to see every action. When people no longer feel cared for or supported, I don't have an engagement problem. I have a cultural issue. 🤖 How AI Makes This 10x Easier I feed the survey results into ChatGPT with this prompt: "Analyze this team survey data. Identify the top 3 issues, suggest root causes, and recommend specific actions I can take this week." AI helps me:  • Spot patterns I might miss  • Generate targeted action plans  • Create personalized development conversations  • Draft follow-up communications What used to take me hours of analysis now takes minutes. 📔 Free Template Want a working template of my heatmap? Just sign up for my free newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eJs_eVWv You'll get this template + 120 more practical playbooks for free. It's time you stop managing and start leading. Systems don't just make this possible.  They make your success inevitable. P.S. Repost to share this with your network ♻️. And follow Dave Kline for more great posts.

Want more innovation on your team? Build this 3-step loop. Psychological safety isn’t a vibe. It’s a system. Here’s how to create it: 1. Build Trust → Foster connection and shared vulnerability. → Show up consistently. 2. Encourage Risk → Ask for bold ideas. → Invite disagreement. → Normalize failure. 3. Respect the Response → Reward the risk, not just the outcome. → Never ridicule. → Celebrate candor. Teams don’t become safe by accident. They become safe by design. Which part of the loop do you need to improve?

"Feedback is a gift. It's an opportunity to learn and grow" At Google, we believe in the power of feedback to drive improvement. Sometimes feedback can be tough to hear. But taking the time to unpack it, understand the perspective, and reflect on it is crucial. Why feedback matters: - It reveals blind spots we cannot see ourselves - It accelerates learning by shortcutting trial and error - It demonstrates that others are invested in your success - It creates alignment between perception and reality How to receive feedback effectively: 1. Approach with curiosity, not defensiveness When receiving feedback, your first reaction might be to justify or explain. Instead, listen deeply and ask clarifying questions: "Can you give me a specific example?" or "What would success look like to you?" 2. Separate intention from impact Remember that well-intentioned actions can still have unintended consequences. Focus on understanding the impact rather than defending your intentions. 3. Look for patterns across multiple sources Individual feedback may reflect personal preferences, but patterns across multiple sources often reveal genuine opportunities for growth. 4. Prioritize actionable insights Not all feedback requires action. Evaluate which points will have the greatest impact on your effectiveness and focus your energy there. 5. Follow up and close the loop Demonstrate your commitment by acknowledging the feedback, sharing your action plan, and following up on your progress. Creating a feedback-rich environment: - Model vulnerability by asking for feedback yourself - Recognize and celebrate when people implement feedback successfully - Make it routine through structured check-ins rather than waiting for formal reviews At Google, we've learned that organizations with robust feedback cultures innovate faster, adapt more quickly to market changes, and build more inclusive workplaces. Let's commit to seeing feedback not as criticism but as a valuable investment in our collective future. The discomfort is temporary, but the growth is lasting. #motivation #productivity #mindset

This quote got me thinking. Early in my career, I struggled with how people showed up. I was often called too intense, I was often perceived as overwhelming, but the truth of it is I SHOWED UP! I was engaged, I was committed, and I wanted to make an impact. Not knowing why there was such a difference between how I showed up and others, I learned … that ONLY 31% of employees are enthusiastic and energized by their work? Imagine that almost 70% of the people in your team are there because they just have to 🫣 I honestly can't imagine that, which is why I implemented some solutions in my teams, most of it worked, some of it I’m still testing & trying … Here are some things I did: 👉 Trust & Empower: I involve my team in decision-making processes and push decisions to them when possible. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. 👉 Celebrate Feedback: I create an environment where feedback is frequent and constructive. It encourages continuous learning and growth. 👉 Connect 'Why' to Vision: I share a compelling vision to motivate team members and clearly explain why their contributions matter. 👉 Offer Development: I signal my commitment to personal growth with training and development opportunities. It sparks motivation and increases loyalty. 👉 Recognize & Praise: I acknowledge achievements and make saying ‘thank you’ my default. A little recognition goes a long way to boost morale and motivation. 👉 Promote Diversity: I embrace diverse perspectives and backgrounds to enrich the work environment, prompt healthy debate, and drive innovation. 👉 Encourage Collaboration: I encourage teamwork on projects. This builds a sense of community and belonging while also accelerating learning 👉 Challenge Comfort Zones: I push and encourage team members to expand their skills and what they think is possible. It promotes growth and enthusiasm. 👉 Cultivate Inclusivity: I ensure all voices are heard. For example, I make sure extroverts don't steal the show and create the space needed for quieter team members to speak. Be the leader that serves, empowers and inspires. And all will go just fine 🙌 #EmployeeEngagement #TeamMotivation #WorkCulture

Ever found yourself facing a team that might not naturally be considered "creative," but you know deep down there's untapped potential waiting to be ignited? That's where the real magic happens – when you transform a group of individuals into a powerhouse of innovation! Here are a few strategies to nurture creativity in even the most unexpected places: 1️⃣ Diverse Perspectives: Embrace the beauty of diversity within your team. Different backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets can create a melting pot of ideas that spark innovation. 2️⃣ Encourage Curiosity: Cultivate a culture of questioning and curiosity. Challenge your team to explore the "what ifs" and "whys" to uncover new solutions. 3️⃣ Collaborative Storming: Gather your team for brainstorming sessions. Fostering an environment where no idea is too outrageous encourages free thinking and inspires unique concepts. 4️⃣ Cross-Pollination: Encourage your team to draw inspiration from unrelated fields. Sometimes, the most innovative solutions come from connecting seemingly unrelated dots. 5️⃣ Empower Ownership: Give individuals ownership of projects and allow them to take creative risks. When people feel their ideas matter, they're more likely to contribute their creative juices. 6️⃣ Learning from "Fails": Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Encourage your team to share their failures and lessons learned – these experiences often lead to innovative breakthroughs. 7️⃣ Structured Creativity: Implement frameworks like Design Thinking or Ideation Workshops. These structured approaches can guide your team to think creatively within a defined framework. 8️⃣ Celebrating Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate every small burst of creativity. This positive reinforcement encourages more innovative thinking. 9️⃣ Mentorship and Learning: Pair up team members with differing strengths. Learning from each other's expertise can lead to cross-pollination of ideas. 🔟 Lead by Example: Show your own passion for creativity. When your team sees your enthusiasm for innovation, it's contagious! Remember, creativity is not exclusive to certain roles or industries – it's a mindset that can be nurtured and cultivated. So, let's harness the potential within our teams, empower individuals to think outside the box, and watch as innovation unfolds before our eyes! #InnovationAtWork #whatinspiresme #culture #teamwork #CreativeThinking #TeamCreativity #LeadershipMindset #bestweekever

When it comes to identifying and dealing with motivation issues in my team, I rely on my experience as a leader. Here's what I've found effective: 1. Talk It Out: I have regular one-on-one chats with my team members. I ask them how they're feeling, what's going well, and what's not. This helps me spot any motivation problems early. 2. Feedback Matters: I make sure to give feedback that's useful. When they do a great job, I tell them. When they need to improve, I talk about how they can do it better. 3. Goals Are Key: I set clear goals for the team and each person. When everyone knows what they're working toward, it's easier to stay motivated. 4. Trust and Freedom: I trust my team to make decisions within their roles. It gives them a sense of ownership and can boost motivation. 5. Say Thanks: Recognizing hard work with a simple "thank you" or a small reward can make a big difference. 6. Deal with Stress and Conflicts: If someone's stressed or there's a conflict, I don't ignore it. I offer support and try to find a solution. 7. Learning Opportunities: I make sure my team has chances to learn and grow. It keeps them motivated when they see a path for their career. 8. Lead by Example: I set the tone by being enthusiastic and committed to my work. It encourages my team to do the same. 9. Flexibility: I'm flexible when it comes to personal needs and work-life balance. Happy team members are motivated ones. 10. Feedback on Company Culture: I encourage my team to share their thoughts on our company culture. If something's off, we work on fixing it together. Remember, keeping the team motivated isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. Each person is different, so I adjust my approach accordingly. Regular check-ins and being open to feedback are key to keeping motivation levels high. #Leadership #Motivation #TeamManagement #EmployeeEngagement #ContinuousImprovement