The Secret Motivation Program Your Manager Doesn't Want You To Know About

Psst... wanna know a secret motivation program?  One most managers will never run but is almost guaranteed to get results.  

You do?  Great... check both ways for spies.  You're not wearing a wire?  Check your buttons for hidden microphones and cameras.  Clean?  Okay... here's the plan...

1. Give your team a challenge to accomplish
   
2. Tell them why it needs to be done
   
3. Tell them a timeline for completion
   
4. DON'T TELL THEM HOW TO DO IT
   
5. Go on a 3-month sabbatical and don't check in with them

Yeah - I'm guessing 90% of the failure to engage teams is about managers telling people how to do things instead of focusing on the why.  In most cases people can figure something out if they know why it's important.  Managers typically spend more time telling people how instead of why.  Tell your folks why they do what they do and then get out of the way.

PS- Don't forget the Influence Insiders radio show tomorrow December 2, 2009 at Noon EST.  We really want you there!