Simplify People - Blog

I talk about motivating employees and the people we lead.

As opposed to looking at what leaders need to do to motivate employees, let's look at what they must not do because it demotivates people.

Being leaders, one challenge we often think about is how to motivate our people to do good work.

I learned this concept from one of my students.

To understand employee motivation, the concept of intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation is important.

This is one of the questions I get asked many times.

Some leaders think they should lead with fear.

In cross-cultural negotiations, focus on the person, not the culture.

Know your counterpart's intention.

Look beyond what you are negotiating.

Name it to tame it - address the emotions.

Ask open questions.

Keep your own ego in check.

Understand and address the emotions.

Be on the same side.

Strong leaders often feel frustrated by the incompetence they see in their organisations.

I learned this simple framework about understanding why people do not perform.

Train your people.

If an employee is not performing, sometimes the best decision is to let the person go.

All of us experience this.

I recently conducted my business simulation activity Rivers and Lakes with a group of entrepreneurs.

At one recent training event, one of the activities required participants to make as much money as possible, and it was done as a closed economy.

This was what I kind of did, when I had the opportunity to put on professional grade medical scrubs from Oslo Scrubs (https://www.iamoslozen.com).

If a potential client asks me this question, it usually means I will walk away from the discussion.

Lack of exposure outside of the family business.