Each of us loves to hear that we are appreciated. We enjoy hearing things like “You did a great job,” “I’m proud of you,” or “You’re doing amazing work, and if you need any help, I’m here for you.”
Photo: AI
However, many of us work or have worked in places where good things are taken for granted, and the only feedback we get is when something goes wrong.
Does it have to be this way?
And while some might feel uncomfortable with compliments, praise for my work feeds my need for acceptance and recognition that I’m doing a good job.
But expressing praise or knowing how to motivate a team, especially in challenging times, is not easy. This is something that many of our managers and team leaders struggle with. Managers are expected to deliver results quickly—often too quickly to get to know the team, understand and recognize the needs of their members, devise the right tactics, and organize people to complete their tasks in the best, highest quality, and fastest way possible.
And what do bosses do then? Instead of becoming spiritual leaders, gurus, and messiahs of their teams, they become taskmasters.
Learn to Motivate Others
Let’s try to learn how to motivate the people around us. Let’s start with compliments and gratitude, continue with motivation, clearly outline tasks and expectations, and be real supporters. This is the essence of the simplest and best motivational speech.
Want examples of such speeches? Watch any movie—from “The Pursuit of Happyness” to “Braveheart” to “Wall Street.” They all have that something that transforms ordinary people into heroes through words.
Motivational speeches are a powerful tool that allows team leaders to help people complete projects, increase their productivity, and meet expectations at critical moments. Each speech reinforces and amplifies the passion of those facing challenges or goals. It can be short, it doesn’t have to be theatrical, and it can be delivered over a beer at a pub or in a serious.
Encourage Personal Development
Such speeches also encourage the personal development of every team member, helping them gain new knowledge and recognize their own strengths and weaknesses. Above all, they validate each team member and let them know that they are needed and valued.
These speeches are necessary when we are nearing the end of a long project that has drained us both physically and mentally. They are also needed when negative energy accumulates in the team, when work stalls and doesn’t move forward, or when challenges arise. We need them when team members change. When morale is low, it’s time to motivate.
Prepare a Motivational Speech
Every motivational speech must acknowledge the work of team members, even if the results aren’t great. The speech should remind everyone of the project goals they are working toward. It should tell a story of the success awaiting the team and recall past successes. In this speech, everyone should be told what is expected of them, at what pace, and in what order. It should talk about the strength of the team. This needs to be conveyed through a good story, using strong words and silence as a tool.
All of this can be prepared and practised. And then, that speech can help the team and lead to positive results.
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