Passing Backwards

Rugby is distinguished from football; the ball can only be passed backwards. The object of the fast-moving game is to win points by carrying, passing, kicking and grounding the ball.

There is no stopping for time outs, limited substitutions and no pads. Rough tackles mean no wimps allowed. Ball control is by brute force. If you are averse to copious amounts of pain, this is a game you watch, not a game you play.

Only the fittest survive and deficiencies quickly exposed. The variation of skills and physical requirements means there is opportunity for individuals of every shape, size and ability…as long as you have the courage.

Managers can get power from hoarding information without sharing it, they hold on to the ball. Then they wonder why teammates don’t like to play with them.

If you want to help people achieve their best, they have to be in the game for more than a job or a paycheck.People do things for their reasons, not yours. Forget phony praise, baloney feedback, and useless criticism. Focus on the work environment and use tactics to influence self motivation.

Managing Is A Team Sport

The insider's secret is to understand how people are motivated. Use this knowledge as a strategy to manage more effectively. Knowing why people do things not just how they do things is a strategic advantage. People see things from their perspective, not yours.

What we understand about motivation is it drives all of us. However, it’s important to understand why you cannot drive other people’s motivations or change their values. People understand motivation from their perspective; it’s what works for them. You cannot assume your motivation will work for others.

The way to motivate more effectively is to create an environment for the situation. People in the right environment with the right incentive will motivate themselves. Adjust your attitude towards others and do not expect others to adjust to you.

The distinction between average management and extraordinary managers is trust, not envy or control. To be relevant in today’s new workplace, understanding how motivation works is essential.

Motivation Principles:

• All People Are Motivated
• You Can’t Motivate Other People
• People Do Things For Their Reasons, Not Your Reasons
• A Person's Strength Overused May Become Their Weakness
• The Very Best One Can Do To Motivate Others Is To Create An Environment That Allows Specific Individuals To Motivate Themselves

Managers and Leaders do it Different

Managers supervise. They rely on operating skills, organizational ability and use power, authority and resources to achieve goals. Managers solve problems and create policies.

Leaders develop visions, use insight,and rely on communication and people skills. They empower others to get results. They look for opportunities to do things through innovation and creativity.

Leaders tend to have less formal arrangements of the decision making and supervision process. The difference between leaders and managers is style.

Good leaders are able to manage and mangers are able to lead.

What is critical in today’s workplace is the ability to have others become part of the success. Understanding motivation helps you lead others to greatness.

Managers who don’t lead but simply make rules and laws kill the spirit. They are out of step with the times.

The wealth in management and leadership comes in creating excellence in people. The best performing managers’ help others accomplish goals and let them enjoy winning.

The job of the manager and leader is to inspire others. Hire the best, let others play in the game and lead like a champion. People around you will help you get to the goal and push you forward.

Copyright 2009 Brian J. Bieler – Reprints welcome so long as byline and article are published in tact and all links made live.

Brian J. Bieler is the author of Powerful Steps and The Sales Operator. He draws on thirty plus years of experience as the President Viacom Radio Group and VP/General Manager of seven broadcast companies. He is a one-one-one leadership coach and consults companies on strategic planning and sales development. Visit http://www.brianbieler.comor e-mail Brian at brian@brianbieler.com.