We often have all the right intentions to get the best out of ourselves and others, however to avoid it being a more haphazard than strategic occurrence, it requires the discipline of great habits and consistent action which is not always our strong points as human beings!
It also requires a conducive environment. To get or give more, you need to make a concerted effort to ensure your environment supports your intentions.
If for example you’re working in an environment that lacks camaraderie, clarity, collaboration or an open flow of communication, it’s not a surprise if you’re struggling to motivate yourself or others to perform better. It’s a bit like being on a health kick but keeping a supply of chocolate in the fridge. At some point, speaking from experience, it won’t work!
Take a moment to take stock of your environment – (and I’m not talking about plant pots here.)
– Are you and your team being honest about what you need to elevate your performance from yourself and from others?
– Are you willing to share it and then action it?
– Does genuine care exist to help the flow of the feel good chemical oxytocin that contributes to neuro wellbeing?
– Can you create a buddy system that helps with accountability? (I know if I didn’t have my weekly personal trainer session on Mondays at 6am, my exercise intentions could easily get off track. The sunrises always make it worth it though!)
As well as focusing on language and behaviours that create trust, transparency and that all too important loyalty that needs to exist if you want to unlock discretionary effort, ask yourself if your environment is conducive to achieving optimum performance, and if it’s not, what can you do about it.