At some point, any kind of business leader needs to motivate others to change. Knowing how to influence other people’s behavior is not just about getting your own way all the time. Sometimes, motivating a change in others is necessary to get a project finished to high standards, help business partners reach their goals, or close that all-important business or real estate deal.
How can you help motivate a change in others? Here are 4 ways to do it.
Find the motivational key
First, you need to find something that will motivate the other person to change. Some people know they need to change but lack motivation. So, the best time to motivate change is just when something happens that you can leverage.
For example, many real estate brokers may be hesitant to use new technology because it is something new or they don’t feel secure in using it. However, you realize that cloud technology has many uses in the commercial real estate industry.
So, if a colleague has missed out on an important deal because their competitor was able to do market research quicker and more efficiently, now is the time to show them the benefits of technology for CRE.
The “pull” approach
Helping a person to change using the “pull” approach is more advantageous than pushing them. The “pull” method involves identifying what the other person wants to achieve and them working with them. This helps to develop an emotional connection and makes change easier.
Don’t get stuck in your ways
Getting stuck in your ways is a sure way to stifle change among others around you. There is rarely ever only one right way to do a thing. So, continue to look for new innovative ways to challenge standard approaches. You can also encourage innovation among your colleague and help them not them shy away from using their initiative.
Give the right feedback
To help motivate a change in others if you are a team leader, it’s important to give the right feedback.
For example, positive feedback is essential to start making changes in others. This helps then have a sense of accomplishment and you can reinforce positive behavior. In time, negative feedback on occasion may be more productive as this can motivate them to continue changing.
It is always important to give feedback regularly and avoid harsh and critical feedback that may offend the other person.
