Motivating Group Members
Motivating members
of your club may be one of the most challenging tasks you will face
as a leader. While there is no simple answer on how
to motivate your fellow peers, there are some different approaches to
motivating others. Here are some suggestions you may wish to consider.
- UNDERSTAND
- As Stephen Covey says, "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." Before implementing any motivational strategies, take into account the factors which are existent within your group (personalities, personal lives, etc.)
- START OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
- Don't start off the year with unreachable expectations. Keep a positive, enthusiastic attitude, and make your goals seem attainable.
- CREATE AN INCENTIVE SYSTEM
- Incentives can be as small as candy for a job well done, or implementing a points system based on levels of involvement. Contact the Student Activities Office for suggestions on creating an incentive system tailored especially for your group.
- LEAD BY EXAMPLE
- Do what you say you will. If you are expecting your members to attend meetings on time and get their projects completed, you should do the same.
- RECOGNIZE GOOD WORK
- When someone does something good, let them know how proud you are! Here are some suggestions on how to praise group members:
- Create an annual "Club Member of the Year" award, which is presented on an annual basis.
- Include a "kudos" section to your meetings, where club members can thank each other for what they have done to help each other out.
- Buy the person a soft drink at The Huddle, and tell them how good of a job they did.
- Write a note on an inspirational card.
- Send flowers/balloons (Call Irish Gardens!).
- Bring a cake to the next club meeting and praise the individual in front of his/her peers.
- Say "Thank You, I appreciate all that you do."
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Responsibility
- Advancement
- The Work Itself
- Potential for Professional Growth
When thinking about
ways to motivate fellow club members, you may wish to consider addressing
issues which fall within the areas listed above.
