In almost three decades as a real estate agency profit consultant™, I have worked with many leaders and interviewed many more. Over this time, I have heard many leaders say, “I can’t seem to motivate… [insert name here]”.
Leaders who say such things do not appear to understand the source of motivation: motivation comes from within. Leaders cannot motivate people – it’s a waste of time trying – we all must motivate ourselves.
Inspiration is different to motivation. The dictionary definition for motivation is “enthusiasm for doing something”. The definition of inspiration is “someone or something that gives you ideas for doing something”. As leaders, we can inspire people, but each person is responsible for his or her own motivation and drive.
Prospecting is one task that leaders struggle to get some salespeople to do. Let me rephrase that: prospecting is one task that leaders struggle to get the WRONG salespeople to do. With the right ones, it’s not so hard.
People who are motivated – driven – who set goals and happily work toward achievement of those goals, are easier to lead. For these people, prospecting takes them closer to their goals; it’s a necessary task in the journey toward a successful life.
As leaders, we can help our salespeople to clarify their goals, decide what they really want and are willing to work hard to achieve. We can inspire them, acting as a sounding board. We can help them see the bigger picture, then help them to set goals and plan the actions necessary to achieve those goals.
But trying to motivate people who are not motivated, who aren’t passionate about Excellence, is draining for leaders. We can threaten and nag, but if there is no motivation, it won’t happen.
What leader in his or her right mind would keep salespeople who are not motivated? Compare the listing presentation to somebody who is driven, passionate and motivated to the listing presentation of an unmotivated plodder. Whom do you think would do the best listing presentation?
You know the answer, and so now for another question: do you want less than the best representing your company?
Yes, we can be inspiring, and we should be, but trying to inspire the unmotivated is like giving medicine to a dead person. Face the fact that you cannot do your people’s wanting for them. If they cannot bring enthusiasm and motivation to their work, find somebody who will.
Do you really want to work with the unmotivated? I don’t!