How To Stay Motivated As A Manager
Just like you can’t fill from an empty vessel, you can’t expect the team to keep going without a motivated manager.
Heading a team can be one of the most rewarding, but at the same time draining experiences of your life.
Motivation is like physical fitness. You can build and strengthen it by doing certain things. And if you neglect it, you can lose it quicker than you thought possible.
How can I promote and develop my own motivation?
A Motivated Manager: Sets Goals
These can be work-related or focused on personal growth or even simply mean that you want to achieve a certain work-life balance and lifestyle. Whatever you choose, set your goals out clearly, note them down and revisit and revise them as you go along. A motivated manager knows where they’re going.
A Motivated Manager: Stays Focussed
Cultivating motivation takes commitment. Clear your mind of distractions and focus on your goals. Give yourself a dedicated window of time daily or weekly, where you “practice” motivation, just like you would if you were training for a marathon or perfecting your golf swing.
A Motivated Manager: Finds A Mentor Or Calls In A Professional
It can be lonely at the top. Don’t isolate yourself. Find a mentor that you can connect with, and who you look up to, to help guide you on your way. You should feel comfortable to be vulnerable with your mentor and trust their opinion and discretion completely. If you cannot find someone to confide in, look into therapists and life coaches as trustworthy, confidential and professional people to discuss your self-motivation journey with.
A Motivated Manager: Rewards Themself
Just like you would show appreciation to others for the hard work they put into bettering themselves, remember to give yourself a pat on the back. Whether it’s a cup of Starbucks coffee or a few days at a silent retreat – find a reward that works for you and enjoy it once you deserve it.
A Motivated Manager: Forgives Themself
Give yourself a break. Being a team leader and taking on the responsibility of motivating others can be draining. You are guaranteed to make mistakes. Try to take them in your stride an learn from them.
A Motivated Manager: Takes A Step Back
Its important to maintain perspective and that’s only possible if you regularly look at the process as a whole and take in the bigger picture. Take a step back and look how far you’ve come, but also be honest about where you are still falling short.
As with most things in life, slow and steady wins the race. But remember that being a motivated manager is a marathon, not a sprint.
