Leaders grow as they take action to achieve their goals. Taking action is more about being motivated than about having information. If I’m not motivated, I won’t take action—even if I have good information.
Here’s how this plays out in my life: To achieve my goal of getting regular exercise, I do something I’m motivated to do—walk for 15-30 minutes several times a week. I have information about other exercise plans—lifting weights and jogging on a treadmill. But having this information doesn’t result in me getting exercise because I not motivated to lift weights or jog on a treadmill.
The point: Since leaders grow as they take action, growing is more about motivation than information.
Application? When coaching, target motivation by:
- Listening to others. Really listen. When people feel listened to, they share. And as they share, they clarify their motivations.
- Inquiring: What’s your goal? What’s your motivation? What 3 dreams do you want to make real?
- Focusing others on their passions and empower them to turn their passions into defined goals.
- Encouraging others to talk about their interests and dreams. As they talk, say things like, “Tell me more.”
Remember: It’s motivation, not information.
