Become a master motivator, influencer and communicator in the workplace
By Carolyn Quainton in Behaviour, Communication, Employee engagement, Inspiration
Effective communication drives strong relationships, sets clear expectations, and resolves conflict. Mastering communication unlocks success at every level of the workplace, including as a motivator.
Drawing insights from Mastering Communication at Work: How to Lead, Manage, and Influence by Ethan F. Becker and Jon Wortmann, we’ve captured key lessons that will help you grow into a confident communicator, motivator, and influencer.
What does good communication look like?
Great communication goes beyond spoken or written words when it comes to evolving as a motivator. It involves:
Confident body language
Active listening
Thoughtful, appropriate responses
A generous dose of emotional intelligence , understanding how emotions affect interactions and managing your own reactions during conversations
Communicating well means connecting with others on a deeper level. It’s the foundation for trust, engagement, and influence.
What motivates people at work?
Every team member brings a unique background and perspective. Their motivation will vary, so it’s essential to understand what drives each individual. When you tailor your approach, you unlock their full potential.
Here are three key drivers of motivation.
Ethos
Some individuals feel driven by doing what’s right. This intrinsic motivation stems from a strong sense of integrity. Align their responsibilities with meaningful goals to help them stay focused and fulfilled.
Emotion
Others feel energised by emotional highs and lows, passion, frustration, joy. Encourage open, honest conversations about how they feel about their work. When you listen and respond to their emotions, you can inspire deeper commitment and connection.
Logic
For some, motivation stems from clear, rational objectives, such as hitting targets or earning performance rewards. Give them structured goals and measurable outcomes to help maintain their momentum and drive.
What do the best communicators do?
Leaders who master communication also master validation. They don’t just talk, they listen, respond with empathy, and show genuine appreciation.
Validation builds trust. When people feel valued, their motivation and engagement soar. They contribute more openly, collaborate more effectively, and feel safe sharing ideas without fear of judgement.
Creating a psychologically safe environment fuels innovation and team cohesion. A culture of validation turns communication into a two-way street where people feel seen, heard, and understood.
Key takeaways
- Understand and Motivate. Take time to discover what drives each person. Is it ethos, emotion, or logic?
- Appreciate and Validate. Show authentic appreciation for their efforts and their individuality. Your recognition will reinforce trust and encourage higher performance.
At Understood, we design exceptional training programmes that help managers and team leaders master the essential skills of motivation, influence, and communication in the workplace.
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