“I can’t motivate my team. What do you suggest?”
As harsh as it may sound, it’s not my job to motivate others. I’m not in the motivation business. I’m in the customer service business.
“What kind of leader are you if you can’t motivate your team?”
Motivate vs. Inspire
Let’s look at the word motivate. It suggests you can prompt, push, propel, or incentivize some activity. It means making others do something. But what if they really don’t want to do that?
Now let’s look at inspire. Both words are closely related, but not the same. To inspire someone is to create a positive feeling in them. I still contend that I, personally, can’t make someone do or feel something they don’t want. But I can possibly inspire someone to want what I have – freedom of schedule, flexibility, an income, etc. by leading by example.
Building a Business
Many people join Scentsy, or any direct sales company, for part-time, casual use or selling. That’s all they want from it, and that is perfectly fine. We would not be a sustainable company if it were not for all those consultants who joined for those exact reasons.
“But what about those who are serious about quitting their job, or earning a replacement income? Those are the ones I’m trying to motivate.”
When it comes to the so-called business builders, I don’t want to work with people who want to build a business. I want to work with people who need to build a business.
I don’t worry about it if someone doesn’t want to sell, get bookings, or add team members. I’m thrilled when others do, but if they don’t need to do it for their own personal reasons, it would be futile for me to put my focus on trying to motivate someone to do something they don’t want to, or only hope to do.
But those who need to … those folks are hungry. They’re determined. They’re unstoppable. They have their own internal motivation. It’s not a motivation that comes from me. They already have it.
I’m Here For You
I will support ALL MY TEAM MEMBERS in whatever their goal, no matter how minimal or grandiose. But it’s their goal and their motivations, not mine.
So be knowledgeable, helpful, supportive, and lead by example, but say it with me:
“It’s not my job to motivate.”
Now because you’re not spending energy trying to motivate others to do something, your time has been freed up to work with those who want or need your help. Less stress for you, and more support for others. Win/Win.
