How Do You Motivate Your Team Members?

Leaders, what motivates your team members?

I recall engaging in a conversation many years ago with a personal trainer. The trainer stated that they customize their training approach based on both the client's physical/health goals and their emotional/mental needs.

The trainer stated that some clients respond better to words of encouragement and praise like, "You got this! You're doing great! Wow! You're making great progress!" They stated that other clients respond better to being challenged, "Hey! Where's your energy today?! I need more energy from you! You are not going to meet that goal if you keep working out like that! Give me 10 more, with more energy!"

The trainer then stated that they prioritize getting to know the client before engaging in the training/coaching process. They stated that utilizing the wrong coaching approach with a client could not only lose them a client, but also derail the client from working on their health goals.

I appreciated how the personal trainer understood the impact of their role and worked to be a good steward of their clients' health goals.

Leaders, what do you do to ensure that you are motivating your team based not only on their professional goals, but also their personal development needs?