Lesson 1.
Keep your team motivated
I find motivation is all about attitude. If I walk into the office and am in a bad mood, I will immediately bring the entire mood in the office down.
On my way into work, I make a conscious decision to choose my attitude. When asked ‘How are you today?’ The answer is always ‘Fantastic.’ This lifts spirits and brings the team in line with you. I always aim to motivate the team to push beyond their personal best. This way they grow rapidly in ability and experience.
Remember, your team is critical. I am reminded of the story of a kitchen porter who turned up to work early every day, spent eight hours scrubbing pots and pans, polishing floors and removing rubbish bins.
He did his job day in and day out with a huge smile on his face, a kind word to say to those who were tiring during the shift. When asked why he was always so cheery, he said, ’I am helping athletes win medals.‘ He saw the value in the job he was doing and that pleased him. Without this attitude to work, events such as this would never happen.
The lesson: No job is too small, and every team member contributes to the whole. Thank them and remind them of that.